This study investigates arsenic (As) accumulation and tolerance of duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza L: and its potential for As phytofiltration. S. polyrhiza was able to survive in high concentration of As(V) solution: The EC50 values ( SE) based on the external As(V) were (181.66 20.12) mol/L. It accumulated (999 95) mg As/kg dw when exposed in 320 mol/L As(V) solution for one week, and was able to take up appropriately 400 mg As/kg dw in tissues without a significant biomass loss. The EC50 values (the e ective concentration of As(V) in the nutrient solution that caused a 50% inhibition on biomass production) was (866 68) mg/kg dw for the tissues, indicating that S. polyrhiza had a high capability of As accumulation and tolerance. The uptake kinetic parameters Vmax was (55.33 2.24) nmol/(g dw min) and Km was (0.144 0.011) mmol/L. Within 72 hr, S. polyrhiza decreased As concentration in the solution from 190 to 113 ng/mL with a removal rate of 41%. The study suggested that this floating aquatic plant has some potential for As phytofiltration in contaminated water bodies or paddy soils.