A Critical View of Current State of Phytotechnologies to Remediate Soils: Still a Promising Tool?

Abstract

Phytotechnologies are often shown as an emerging tool to remediate contaminated soils. Research in this field has resulted in many important findings relating to plant and soil sciences. However, there have been scant private and public investments and little commercial success with this technology. Here, we investigate the barriers to the adoption of phytotechnologies and determine whether it is still a fertile area for future research. The terminology used in phytotechnologies includes a confusing mish-mash of terms relating to concepts and processes increasing the difficulty of developing a unique commercial image. We argue that the commercial success of phytotechnologies depends on the generation of valuable biomass on contaminated land, rather than a pure remediation technique that may not compare favourably with the costs of inaction or alternative technologies. Valuable biomass includes timber, bioenergy, feedstock for pyrolosis, biofortified products, or ecologically important species.

Biotechnological advances in bioremediation of heavy metals contaminated ecosystems: an overview with special reference to phytoremediation

“…Arabidopsis thaliana (microbe merC gene assisted) Cd Kiyono et al (2012) however, more effective and commercially feasible techniques are still required to make phytotechnology more commercially attractive. Conesa et al (2012) have suggested the exploitation of new economic opportunities such as the production bioenergy, biochar and biofortified crops, the application of economic studies and economic evaluations as well as a new implementation protocol in the field of phytotechnologies.…”

“…Scientists are reaching on a consensus to decrease the release of pollutants and to ameliorate their effects mediated by living organisms such as plants, an approach known as phytoremediation (Conesa et al 2012;Pilon-Smits 2005), or by microbes which is amalgamated under the generic term bioremediation. It has been observed as an ideal solution for pollution control and the most effective innovative technology that uses biological systems for treatments of contaminants (Cardenas et al 2008;Dua et al 2002).…”

Bioethanol Production from Sugarcane Grown in Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils

“…Hyperaccumulating plants are usually of low biomass output per unit of land area per unit of time (Robinson et al 2009;Conesa et al 2012).…”

Productivity and Carbon Sequestration under Prevalent Agroforestry Systems in Navsari District, Gujarat (India)

“…While resulted in soil contamination has become a major environmental problem worldwide because of its detrimental effects on human and ecosystem health, soil productivity, and socioeconomic well-being (Conesa et al, 2012;Waseem et al, 2014). The aim of Agroforestry System (AFS) as sustainable land use system aims at incorporating agricultural crops and/or livestock along with woody perennial components on the same unit of land so that not only productivity increases but also to avoid the deterioration of soil (soil fertility and structure) and environment without compromising on the economic returns under a particular set of climatic, edaphic conditions and socioeconomic status of local people.…”