Evaluation of sphagneticola trilobata and amaranthus hypochondriacus on the phytoremediation of soils polluted by heavy metals

Abstract

Soil pollution by heavy metals has been a major environmental problem of the last three decades. Although heavy metals exist naturally in the soil, anthropogenic activities have increased their concentration to levels that are toxic to humans, fauna, and flora health [1]. Activities that produce heavy metals include the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture, fossil fuel combustion, traffic, mining, smelting, sewage sludge reuse, wastewater irrigation, metal products in industries, sewage sludge and municipal waste disposal [2,3]. Soils contaminated with toxic amounts of heavy metals could potentially cause health problems by ending up in groundwater [4,5] or spreading to the surface by runoff [6].

Impact of Sewage Treatment Plant Effluent on Lakes: An Overview

“…The presence of heavy metals in treated domestic sewage discharge can have significant impacts on human health. Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), can accumulate in the environment and pose health risks to humans [57], [58]. Exposure to heavy metals through contaminated water, sediments, and aquatic food can lead to various health problems, including neurological disorders, kidney damage, respiratory issues, and developmental abnormalities [58], [59].…”

“…Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), can accumulate in the environment and pose health risks to humans [57], [58]. Exposure to heavy metals through contaminated water, sediments, and aquatic food can lead to various health problems, including neurological disorders, kidney damage, respiratory issues, and developmental abnormalities [58], [59]. Consumption of food crops grown in soils irrigated with heavy metal-contaminated lake water can lead to the ingestion of toxic levels of heavy metals [60].…”