From phytoremediation of soil contaminants to phytomanagement of ecosystem services in metal contaminated sites

Abstract

Since the emergence of phytoremediation, much research has focused on its development for (i) the removal of metals from soil and/or (ii) the reduction of metal bioavailability, mobility, and ecotoxicity in soil. Here, we review the lights and shades of the two main strategies (i.e., phytoextraction and phytostabilization) currently used for the phytoremediation of metal contaminated soils, irrespective of the level of such contamination. Both strategies face limitations to become successful at commercial scale and, then, often generate skepticism regarding their usefulness. Recent innovative approaches and paradigms are gradually establishing these phytoremediation strategies as suitable options for the management of metal contaminated soils. The combination of these phytotechnologies with a sustainable and profitable site use (a strategy called phytomanagement) grants value to the many benefits that can be obtained during the phytoremediation of metal contaminated sites, such as, for instance, the restoration of important ecosystem services, e.g. nutrient cycling, carbon storage, water flow regulation, erosion control, water purification, fertility maintenance, etc.

Survival, Height Growth, and Phytoextraction Potential of Hybrid Poplar and Russian Olive (Elaeagnus Angustifolia L.) Established on Soils Varying in Salinity in North Dakota, USA

“…Furthermore, Bañuelos et al [20] reported similar variability among seven hybrid poplar genomic groups for leaf concentrations of Cl − and boron (B) following high-salinity irrigation, while Bañuelos et al [18] and Shannon et al [19] showed a range in selenium (Se) and B uptake among eight clones belonging to three genomic groups that were irrigated similarly. Although uptake of Cl − , B, and Se were not tested in the current study, phytoextraction potential of other parameters corroborated previous results for hybrid poplar [47,48]. For example, Chen et al [24] tested the effect of NaCl on growth and physiological parameters of P. euphratica Oliv.…”

Application of Floating Aquatic Plants in Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals Polluted Water: A Review

“…Plants should have the following characteristics in order to make the phytoremediation an eco-sustainable technology: native and quick growth rate, high biomass yield, the uptake of a large amount of heavy metals, the ability to transport metals in aboveground parts of plant, and a mechanism to tolerate metal toxicity [52][53][54][55]. Other factors like pH, solar radiation, nutrient availability and salinity greatly influence the phytoremediation potential and growth of the plant [51,56].…”

Capability of the Invasive Tree Prosopis glandulosa Torr. to Remediate Soil Treated with Sewage Sludge

“…Because of the high invasive capacity of P. glandulosa [25], we recommend that, if this species is grown outside of its native range, only young plants should be used before they have reached their reproductive stage. At the same time, for phytoremediation, P. glandulosa may be used as a multipurpose crop during its cultivation, for example, for carbon storage, erosion control, and fertility maintenance, and, once removed from the remediated site, it may be valuable for energetic use in an integrated phytomanagement strategy [55].…”