Halophytes in India and Their Role in Phytoremediation

Abstract

Halophytic plants thrive well in the environments characterized by excess salt ions, even at toxic concentration, particularly sodium and chloride, due to their efficient biochemical tolerance mechanisms. These adaptation mechanisms may not be limited to high salt concentrations but may confer tolerance to other toxic ions, including heavy metals. Several studies have documented the ability of halophytes to tolerate and accumulate high levels of heavy metals, making them excellent candidates for phytoremediation of contaminated soils. This chapter details the overview of halophytes in India and their phytoremediation strategies.