Phytoremediation of soil for metal and organic pollutant removal

Abstract

In the recent decades, industrialization and urbanization have increased the concentration of heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and other contaminants in soil. Among the various strategies to tackle the environmental issues, phytoremediation may be applied to combat pollution or recover the contaminated site or limit the degradation of such entities. It is relatively cost-efficient and environmental-friendly and also provides easy public acceptance. Mechanisms for degradation and removal of contaminants, i.e., rhizofiltration, phytoextraction, phytovolatilization, phytostimulation, phytostabilization, and phytotransformation, are available. However, the condition of the soil, microbes residing in the rhizosphere, and the plants to be employed are the important factors to be considered and assessed before implementing the techniques. A wide understanding and appreciation are required to interpret the interactions between the microorganisms, plants, and contaminants involved. Genetic manipulation can also be implemented for better removal and contaminant uptake. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.