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A total of six species of Azolla are known so far viz., A. caroliniana, A. filiculoides, A.
mexicana, A. microphylla, A. nilotica, A. pinnata and A. rubra. Out of these A. pinnate is
commonly found in India. The global collections of several species of Azolla are maintained at
CRRI (Cuttack). Within the leaf cavity filaments of Anabaena azollae are present. Dr. P.K. Singh,
at CRRI has done an outstanding work on mass cultivation of Azolla and its use as biofertilizer in
rice and other crop fields.
Moreover, Azolla shows tolerance against heavy metals viz. As, Hg, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, etc.
It tolerates low concentration but at high levels a setback in biochemical pathways is caused. A.
pinnata absorbs heavy metals into cell walls and vacuoles through evolution of specific metal
resistant enzymes. Therefore, heavy metal resistant species such as A. pinnata can also be
incorporated as green manure in rice field near the polluted areas where heavy metal concentration
is between 0.01 and 1.5 mg/liter. Due to development of chemical industries and discharge of
effluents into water bodies, heavy metal concentration is gradually increasing day by day.
Industries where work of electroplanting, fertilizers, tanning, etc. are done, they act as a chief
source for soil and water pollution. For example, disturbed vegetation in aquatic system around
Damodar river valley in India has received a great attention.