Phytoremediation of heavy metals in the soil. A systematic review of the literature between the years 2012-2022

Abstract

Currently the presence of heavy metals in the soil considerably affects the environment and human health. Therefore, this review aimed to describe the importance of phytoremediation of heavy metals in the soil, based on the analysis of research articles. For this, the PRISMA methodology was used as a basis, whose general purpose is the impact of heavy metals in soils. The results of this review show a high proportion of national publications corresponding to China (20%), Peru (12%), Colombia and Spain (8%). Likewise, it was determined that there are different types of final disposal classified as agricultural land (69%), urban (20%), mining (7%) and industrial (4%). Also, it is described that the Lonicera japonica Thunb species is presented as the best Cr accumulating plant, because it would offer great opportunities in the phytoremediation process. In this same context, the plant Helianthus annuus L., would behave as a phytostabilizer of soil contaminated by Cd; In this sense, the species Zea mays L., is efficient for the phytoextraction process of heavy metals such as Pb and Cd. Thus, it was identified that the phytoremediation species that have the highest concentrations and dispersions of heavy metals are Miconia sp. and Erica cinerea L.; and the lowest are Halophyte Halogeton glomeratus and Brassica napus. It was concluded that, despite the minimum sustainable, lasting and more effective actions that minimize the risks of contamination; Phytoremediation of heavy metals in the soil is presented as a fundamental low-cost green technology to consider.