A meta-analysis of the impact of water-solved pollutants on the protein content of Pistia stratiotes L.

Abstract Due to the high cost of conventional water cleaning procedures, an affordable alternative for developing countries is the use of Pistia stratiotes L. Although these plants adsorb toxic chemicals in their tissues, other studies report a high protein content in its biomass and propose to use it as a fodder or even for human consumption. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the impact of water-solved pollutants on the content of protein in the tissues of P. stratiotes through a meta-analysis of currently available literature. Scientific reports, which included the biochemical analysis of the species when exposed to pollutants in the growing media were retrieved. The statistical analysis identified that chromium, wastewater sludge from a sugar factory, fluoride and linear alkyl benzene sulphonate reduce the content of protein. On the contrary, metals such as copper and zinc showed a slight tendency to promote the accumulation of protein in the biomass. Only the use of municipal wastewater sludge consistently promoted the increase of protein. Since most pollutants reduced the protein content and others also pose a bioaccumulation risk, P. stratiotes is not recommended to be considered as a fodder or to be included in human diet without previously ensuring its chemical innocuity.