Phytoremediation using algae and macrophytes: II

Abstract

Phytoremediation is an eco-friendly technology to remove pollutants from soil and water. Certain plant species which are nonedible/not usable by humans have been recognized having potential to remediate different kinds of contaminants from polluted sites. Several aquatic macrophytes, algae, grasses/legumes, shrubs, forbes, herbs, vines, and trees have been reported as accumulators of heavy metals and other organic as well as inorganic contaminants from polluted soil and water bodies. Hyperaccumulator plants possess specific tolerance and degradation mechanism in itself which enables them to absorb, adsorb, stabilize, and detoxify the contaminants. Phytoremediation using algae is more efficient than others as they have the ability to grow both autotrophically and heterotrophically, large surface area/volume ratios, phototaxy, phytochelatin expression, and potential for genetic manipulation. This communication mainly focuses on capable macrophytes and algal species and their possible utilization in phytoremediation in various ways.