PHYTOREMEDIATION POTENTIAL OF PLANTS IN THE UPTAKE AND STABILIZATION OF HEAVY METALS: A REVIEW
Abstract
In this scientific review, the phytoremediation potential of various plant species for the remediation of soils and water bodies contaminated with heavy metals is analyzed based on published research data. A wide range of plant species, including Amaranthus spinosus, Brassica juncea, Malva rotundifolia, Sedum alfredii, Linum usitatissimum, Medicago sativa, and several other taxa, have been reported to exhibit the ability to accumulate, stabilize, or translocate metals such as Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, As, Mn, and Fe. Recent studies indicate that the effectiveness of phytoremediation can be enhanced through the application of soil amendments, including biochar and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, which promote plant growth and improve metal uptake and distribution. In addition, several investigations demonstrate that the utilization of contaminated plant biomass for the production of essential oils or other value-added products may increase the economic feasibility of phytoremediation.