A Newer Green Approach of Sustainable Environmental Technology-Phytoremediation

Abstract

Due to the rising levels of soil pollution, heavy metals have become a threat to the environment through considerable levels of contamination. Remediation techniques are being practiced, which have included excavation, soil flushing, vitrification, and immobilization techniques. Although these techniques are being employed but these processes are expensive with low level of efficiency. These remediation techniques have restricted their application in the efficient eco-friendly remediation of contaminated soils due to heavy metals, which are prevalent all over the world. Phytoremediation is a relatively recent, innovative, cost-effective, ecofriendly, and highly efficient alternative to efficiently remediate heavy metals contaminated soils. Phytoremediation not only provides benefits such as reduced levels of soil erosion, enrichment of organic matter in soils, fertility, and sustainable remediation, among others. Thus, the type of plants to be used, which are efficient in remediation, must be capable of withstanding biodiversity, as well as provide economic, utility, and by-product benefits. Hence, green plants are the most efficient, effective, and feasible options in the phytoremediation as well as Phyto management of heavy metals contaminated soils. The application of green flowering plants also proves to be beneficial and useful in improving landscape aesthetics.