Removal of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Soil using Plants: A Mini-Review

Abstract

Both natural and anthropogenic activities are responsible for water, air and land pollution. In wastewater released from the industries, toxic chemicals and heavy metals are present that pollute the environment and contaminate the soil. Heavy metals are the major problem in soil and have health hazards present in higher amounts. As the heavy metals are non-biodegradable, thus accumulate in the environment and enters the food chain. Heavy metals disturb soil fertility. It has been discovered that plants have the accumulating properties for metals so can be used to remove the metals from the soil. Phytoremediation is an emerging technology, it has many ecological benefits. Plants remove pollutants from the soil that accumulate in the parts of the plant that are harvestable (Phytoextraction). Phytoremediation is a suitable technique as it is easy to implement, easy in maintenance, low cost than other soil remedial techniques, most acceptable technique.