International Journal of Aquaculture, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 165-173 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ija 171 necessitates the development of site-specific remediation strategies. Furthermore, the long-term stability and effectiveness of phytoremediation techniques need to be evaluated under varying environmental conditions to ensure their practical applicability (Hasan et al., 2017; Nguyen et al., 2020). 7.2 Gaps in current knowledge Despite significant advancements, there are still considerable gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying heavy metal tolerance and detoxification in aquatic plants. One major gap is the limited knowledge of the genetic and molecular basis of metal tolerance, which hinders the development of genetically engineered plants with enhanced phytoremediation capabilities. Additionally, the role of phytohormones and other signaling molecules in modulating plant responses to heavy metal stress is not fully understood and requires further investigation (Hasan et al., 2017; Nguyen et al., 2020). There is also a need for more comprehensive studies on the interactions between heavy metals and other environmental stressors, such as salinity and nutrient deficiency, to develop more robust phytoremediation strategies (Thakur et al., 2021). 7.3 Future research opportunities Future research should focus on elucidating the genetic and molecular mechanisms of heavy metal tolerance in aquatic plants to facilitate the development of more effective phytoremediation technologies. Advanced biotechnological tools, such as CRISPR/Cas9, can be employed to create transgenic plants with enhanced metal uptake and detoxification capabilities. Additionally, exploring the role of microbial communities in the rhizosphere and their interactions with plant roots can provide new insights into improving phytoremediation efficiency. Research should also aim to develop integrated remediation approaches that combine phytoremediation with other bioremediation techniques to address the multifaceted nature of heavy metal contamination (Hasan et al., 2017). Finally, long-term field studies are essential to assess the sustainability and ecological impact of phytoremediation practices in diverse environmental settings (Nguyen et al., 2020). 8 Concluding Remarks Aquatic plants exhibit a variety of physiological adaptations and detoxification strategies that enable them to tolerate and remediate heavy metal pollution in water bodies. Key findings highlight several mechanisms: Aquatic plants such as Canadian waterweed (Elodea canadensis), Posidonia oceanica, Eelgrass (Zostera marina) and duckweed (Lemna minor) are effective in removing heavy metals from water through phytofiltration and phytoaccumulation. These plants employ various cellular mechanisms for heavy metal detoxification, including binding to cell walls, chelation by phytochelatins and metallothioneins, and compartmentalization within vacuoles. Additionally, the association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can enhance plant growth and reduce heavy metal accumulation in edible parts by forming P-HM complexes. Understanding the mechanisms of heavy metal tolerance in aquatic plants is crucial for several reasons. It plays a vital role in environmental protection by offering a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to mitigate heavy metal pollution, which poses severe threats to ecosystems and human health. Additionally, insights into the genetic and molecular mechanisms of metal tolerance can inform biotechnological applications, particularly in developing genetically engineered plants with enhanced phytoremediation capabilities. Furthermore, this knowledge has significant agricultural implications, aiding in managing crop safety and productivity in contaminated areas, thereby ensuring food security and reducing health risks. Future research should focus on several key areas to enhance the effectiveness of phytoremediation and our understanding of heavy metal tolerance in aquatic plants. These include species-specific studies to investigate the heavy metal tolerance and accumulation capacities of a broader range of aquatic plant species, aiming to identify the most effective candidates for phytoremediation. Molecular and genetic engineering should be explored to enhance the metal tolerance and accumulation abilities of aquatic plants through genetic modifications and biotechnological approaches. Additionally, conducting large-scale field trials is essential to validate laboratory findings and develop practical guidelines for implementing phytoremediation technologies in diverse environmental settings. Understanding the interaction with microorganisms, particularly the synergistic effects of
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