Evaluation on the Biological Aspect of Plant, Contaminant Types and Application of Phytoremediation for Environmental and Economical Sustainability

Abstract

Phytoremediation is an emerging, eco-efficient strategy that employs higher plants and their associated rhizosphere microorganisms to remove, stabilize, degrade, or volatilize contaminants from soil, water, and sediments. This review systematically assesses the phytoremediation potential of hyperaccumulators, grasses, woody trees, aquatic plants, and food crops against heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Ni, Zn), organic pollutants (PAHs, PCBs, pesticides), radionuclides, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and nutrient-induced eutrophication. It explains key physiological and molecular processes including metal uptake via ZIP and HMA transporters, detoxification through phytochelatins, metallothioneins, vacuolar sequestration, root exudate-mediated mobilization, and microbial degradation. Technological advances such as CRISPR/Cas-based genetic modification, nano-enabled phytoremediation, synthetic plant–microbiome consortia, remote sensing, GIS-driven monitoring, and phytomining for metal recovery are emphasized. Field-based applications in mining zones, agricultural soils, wetlands, oil-spill areas, and industrial sites demonstrate significant remediation efficiency and ecological restoration. Phytoremediation supports carbon sequestration, soil fertility improvement, biodiversity enhancement, erosion control, and climate mitigation, linking it to broader sustainability goals. Although challenges persist, including slow remediation rate, pollutant toxicity to plants, biomass disposal, seasonal variability, lack of awareness, and limited policy incentives, economic assessments indicate phytoremediation is 5–10 times more cost-effective than conventional technologies. Future priorities involve deploying climate-resilient species, conducting long-term field trials, promoting circular economy-based biomass utilization, integrating phytoremediation with agroforestry, digital monitoring, and fostering interdisciplinary and international collaborations. Overall, phytoremediation represents a scalable, low-cost, and environmentally harmonious solution for global environmental restoration and sustainable development.