Lilies as pollution sinks
Water lilies or nymphea can restore the purity of polluted rivers and other water sources. They can treat wastewater of residential as well as industrial areas, said scientists working at Hebrew University in Israel. According to the scientists, the plant is capable of absorbing huge quantities of heavy and poisonous metals like cadmium (Cd) through its leaves and roots. Their research shows that anatomical and physiological characteristics of the plant make it suitable for the task and the best part is, it does not harm the plant. It can absorb metals as high as 16 per cent of its dry weight. The plant can also absorb or remove mercury, nickel and cobalt. The researchers added that more experiments are being conducted to see whether water lilies can be used as pollution sinks