Research Progress on Utilization of Azollaand Its Potential Contribution to Environmental Restoration

Azollais a common aquatic plant co-existing between algae and ferns.It has high economic and ecological values in agriculture as manure or fodder and for waste water treatment.As an important biological material for restoring water ecology,it can eliminate nitrogen and phosphorus,as well as,absorb and transfer heavy metals in eutrophic lakes,pools and channels.This article summarizes the biological characteristics,utilization,application,and effect of Azolla in restoring the damaged environmental ecology.Potential advantages in the development,research,and utilization of Azolla are discussed.The information might help generate an increasing interest to broaden the applications of Azolla.