PHYTOREMEDIATION POTENTIAL OF PLANTS IN HEAVY METAL-CONTAMINATED SOILS

Farzana Tasneem MI

Authors

Dr. Farzana Tasneem MI Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Surana College, Bengaluru, Karnataka Author

Keywords:

Phytoremediation, Heavy Metals, Hyperaccumulators, Soil Contamination, Environmental Biotechnology

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination of soils poses a significant environmental and agricultural challenge due to its toxic effects on plants, animals, and humans. Phytoremediation, the use of green plants to clean up contaminated soils, offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to conventional remediation technologies. Several plant species, particularly hyperaccumulators, have demonstrated the ability to absorb, stabilize, or transform heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr). This study explores the phytoremediation potential of different plants, their mechanisms of action, and their applications in heavy metal-contaminated soils.