Ferns: heavy metal guzzlers can replace expensive methods of controlling pollution

Now Indian ecotype of brake fern found in Kerala has been found to exhibit similar properties. A team of researchers from National Environmental Engineering Institute (NEERI) found that the fern could also help remove chromium from the soil and water. The study published in March 25 issue of Current Science says this particular ecotype of brake fern is found only in India. For most of the developing countries, including India, brake fern plantation could help in reducing the expenditure required on mitigating heavy metal pollution using modern technologies.