Phytotechnologies: Importance in Remediation of Heavy Metal–Contaminated Soils

Abstract

Soil contamination by toxic metals is a major problem that has threatenedthe sustainability of various agro-ecosystem worldwide. Generally,heavy metals are not destructed and, therefore, persist in the environment.The traditional phys. and chem. methods applied for metal removalfrom contaminated sites produce undesirable products and are expensive.The bioremediation methods including phytotechnologies, on the otherhand, is an emerging simple and inexpensive in situ technol. usedfor remediating contaminated sites. A comparative anal. of phytoremediationmethods for heavy metal-contaminated soils with a special emphasison the feasibility and applicability to established methods for soilcleaning is presented. Results of the field trials conducted to examinethe applicability of tech. soil cleaning methods are also highlighted.Phytoextn. when used to clean up polluted soils was found as an efficientmethod for slightly and medium-contaminated soils. Chemophytostabilizationthat involved the use of indigenous plant species was identifiedas the most practical remediation option for pollutant stabilizationin soil. The results of studies on the use of phytotechnologies inthe utilization of various plant species for direct application insoils contaminated with heavy metals under a wide range of agro-ecol.conditions with a view to restore contaminated soils and consequentlyfacilitate plant yields in metal-poisoned soils around the worldare discussed. [on SciFinder(R)]