Exploitation of weeds and ornamentals for bioremediation of metalliferous substrates in the era of climate change

Abstract

Weeds not only adversely affect the plant productivity but many of them also cause health hazards in human beings and animals. They are also known to seriously affect the biodiversity. Apart from this negative side, many weeds are known to have beneficial properties in one way or the other and have immense potential as food and fodder, medicinal, aromatic, phytoremediation, industrial, soil and water conservation resources, etc. A very little information is available on the use of weeds for such beneficial purposes. Therefore, this subject of research needs to be explored and expanded. Several of the weeds are utilized for (a) soil and water conservation, (b) alternative livelihood opportunities, and (c) industrial uses. Survey of published literature indicates that there is great scope for application of weeds in bioremediation. More research efforts are required for utilizing weeds for bioremediation of different type of pollutants from air, water, and soil. Ornamental plants have an added advantage of enhancing the environmental esthetics besides cleaning the environment. This approach has several advantages for environmental moderation, cleanup, and generation of revenue. Therefore, this approach will add a new dimension to the field of bioremediation of contaminated aquatic and terrestrial environments.