Status, Trends and Advances in Bioremediation pp. 99-111
Editors: Dr. Natchimuthu Karmegam
Dr. Mani Prakash
ISBN: 978-93-94174-13-9
Chapter 5
Phytoremediation of Persistent and Emerging Contaminants
Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Pallavaram - 600 117, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution or accumulation is the major environmental contamination due to various natural processes and anthropogenic activities. Heavy metal contamination has posed a severe threat to human health and the environment due to its toxic nature. As a result, land contamination needs to resolve as quickly as possible. Phytoremediation is a unique green technology that can successfully restore heavy metal-polluted soil in the environment. The use of plants and associated soil bacteria to lower the concentration or toxic effects of pollutants in the environment is known as bioremediation. Understanding the mechanism underlying heavy metal accumulation and tolerance in plants is essential. Heavy metals are absorbed, translocated, and detoxified in plants as part of the mechanism. Ornamental plants have recently emerged as a key source of remediation plants when compared to other types of cleanup. Certain ornamental plants can not only improve the environment but also absorb or degrade toxins when planted in soil polluted with heavy metals or organic contaminants. Biological and engineering methods for enhancing and improving phytoremediation, as well as an understanding of physiological and molecular mechanisms, have changed in recent years. Moreover, several field investigations demonstrated the viability of using plants to clean up the environment. It is a relatively recent technology and is perceived as cost-effective, efficient, novel, eco-friendly, and solar-driven technology with good public acceptance.
Keywords
Phytoremediation, Heavy metal, organic contaminants, Ornamental plant, toxins
Cite this Chapter: Kaviya, V. V., Harini, K., Salomi, J., Suganthi, M., Jayanthi, M., Thenmozhi, M., 2022. Phytoremediation of persistent and emerging contaminants. In: N. Karmegam and M. Prakash (Eds.), Status, Trends and Advances in Bioremediation. Excellent Publishers, India. pp. 99-111. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-13-9_5
