Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. ISSN 1110 – 6131 Vol. 25(1): 775 – 782 (2021) www.ejabf.journals.ekb.eg An overview on the aquatic fern Azolla spp. as a sustainable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds with resourceful applications Sayed Rashad Regional Center for Food and Feed, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt
[email protected] ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article History: The present work was conducted to explore Azolla’s perspective as a Received: Jan. 29, 2021 multifaceted aquatic resource to maintain the preservation of the Accepted: Feb. 15, 2021 environment. Azolla is a small floating aquatic nitrogen-fixing fern with Online: Feb. 20, 2021 distinctive composition. In both developing and developed nations, Azolla is _______________ a pteridophyte of agronomic significance. In a comparatively short time frame, it generates full biomass. Hence, an overview is presented of Azolla Keywords: spp. including classification, distribution, and important applications in Azolla; various fields in many countries, particularly in Egypt. Azolla is beneficial Bioactive compounds; as a source of several crucial nutrients and bioactive compounds. The study nutrition; highlights Azzola’s effective use as a biofertilizer, animal feed, water antioxidant; purifier, and biological herbicide. Azzola’s impact on the concentrations of biofertilizer; floodwater nutrients and heavy metals was also supervised. The presented feed data offer a scientific context that could be fruitful feedback for researchers who work in this field regarding Azolla in many countries, especially Egypt. INTRODUCTION At present, there is intensive attention for using natural materials as sustainable resources for bioactive compounds.