Aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) – Key elements in wetland sustenance: A review

Abstract

Even though, Aluminum (Al) is recognized as a micronutrient, its metabolism interferes with cell divisions in root tips and lateral roots, increases cell wall rigidity, maintaining proper cellular redox state and various other biochemical, physiological and growth responses. Al is one of the most abundant elements in the earth's crust, and toxic to many plants when the concentration is greater than 2-3 ppm with the soil pH<5.5. Iron (Fe), is equally an important element, whose toxicity poses constraint primarily on wetland plants grown on acidic soils that are rich in reducible iron. This review encompasses aspects of both Al and Fe in the anoxic biochemical processes that are common to wetland ecosystems. The impact of metal toxicity (Al and Fe) requires an understanding of the aspects related to Al, and Fe uptake, transport and distribution in wetland ecosystem. This paper provides an overview of the fact that the environmental risk associated with remobilization of metal contaminants and the recycling to the food chain, particularly by the infiltration into ground water. The main aim of this review is to document the challenges, barriers and constraints facing wetlands due to population growth. As found in today's world, technological advancement is at fast rate, it has been necessary to reduce the global loss of wetland area to maximize the accrue benefits. While, the objective is to highlight the management tools to achieve maximum use, that is sustainable and ecological wetland ecosystem.