Arsenic accumulation pattern in 12 Indian ferns and assessing the potential of Adiantum capillus-veneris, in comparison to Pteris vittata, as arsenic hyperaccumulator

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the ability of some Indian ferns to accumulate and tolerate arsenic. Twelve species of Indian ferns were exposed to 10 mg L−1 arsenic as sodium arsenate for 15 days in hydroponic system. Depending on the arsenic uptake in the plant parts – Pteris vittata, Pteris cretica, Adiantum capillus-veneris and Nephrolepis exaltata may be categorised as arsenic accumulator. Further, A. capillus-veneris plants were grown in arsenic contaminated soil (200–600 mg kg−1) under green-house condition, to assess its arsenic accumulation and tolerance mechanism, in comparison to known As-hyperaccumulator – P. vittata Linn., growing in the same conditions. The experiment identified A. capillus-veneris having a potential to tolerate arsenic up to 500 mg kg−1. The plants were analysed for the extent of oxidative stress, as a result of arsenic accumulation. A. capillus-veneris was able to detoxify the arsenic stress through induction of anti-oxidant defence system.