International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 01 | Jan 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
A REVIEW ON PHYTOREMEDIATION TECHNIQUES AND ITS BYPRODUCTS Ashwini Anil Farkade1, Dr. Kiran B. Sangve2 Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, M.B. Patel College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Deori, Maharashtra, India Professor& Head, Department of Zoology, Brijlal Biyani Science College, Amravati, Maharashtra, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract - Phytoremediation is a developing clean up technology that employs plants to break down, remove, stabilize, or isolate pollutants in contaminated soil and water. It has gained attention as an innovative and cost-effective alternative to conventional hazardous waste treatment methods. Phytoremediation uses plants to clean contaminated soil and water and is being promoted by the EPA as a cost-effective, innovative approach to hazardous waste site remediation. It has recently gained recognition as an innovative and economical alternative to traditional cleanup techniques used at hazardous waste sites. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aims to safeguard human health and the environment while supporting the development and use of innovative technologies like phytoremediation to improve site cleanup efforts. Plants possess natural characteristics that make them well suited for cleaning contaminated soils. Their root systems provide a large surface area that allows efficient absorption and accumulation of water and nutrients needed for growth. Plants also have advanced metabolic and uptake mechanisms, along with transport systems capable of selectively absorbing various ions from the soil. Key words – Soil contamination, heavy metals, trace elements, phytoextraction, hyperaccumulator, toxicity, lead, cadmium, mercury, biomass, etc
INTRODUCTION Soil contamination is a major environmental issue resulting from the spread of industrial and urban wastes produced by anthropogenic activities. Both regulated and unregulated waste disposal, accidental spills, industrial processes, mining and smelting of metal ores, and the application of sewage sludge to farmland allow contaminants to spread to previously clean areas through dust or leaching, thereby polluting the ecosystem. Soil pollution is caused by a wide variety of inorganic and organic substances, including heavy metals, flammable and decomposable materials, hazardous wastes, explosives, and petroleum products. Among inorganic pollutants, heavy metals are the most significant contributors. Soil microorganisms are capable of breaking down organic pollutants, whereas metals must be immobilized or physically removed from the soil. (Adriano D. C., 1986) Although many metals are necessary for biological functions, they become toxic at elevated concentrations by inducing oxidative stress through the formation of free radicals. Metals can also exert toxicity by displacing essential elements in pigments or enzymes, thereby interfering with their normal function. As a result, metal contamination makes land unsuitable for plant growth and leads to a loss of biodiversity. (Alloway, B. J.,1990). The use of phytoremediation is key to achieving sustainable development. Plant based methods provide a low-cost method of land remediation and are the best strategy for future use (Misra et., al. 2019). Over time, plants have developed diverse genetic adaptations that enable them to tolerate potentially toxic concentrations of metals and other pollutants. While most metal-tolerant plants limit the uptake of harmful metals, certain species known as hyperaccumulators can absorb and withstand high levels of toxic metals and other ions, sometimes reaching several percent of their dry weight. In addition, plant roots release various substances that modify the soil environment by supplying nutrients and energy to microorganisms or by forming stable metal complexes. The root zone supports increased microbial activity, which can further aid in the breakdown of contaminants in soil. (Henry J. R.,2000)
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Table 1. Nature of metal toxicity Metal Sources Symptoms Mercury Industrial CNS and PNS discharge disorders, renal vapour failure, blurred vision, numbness of limbs, lips, muscles, etc
Impact Factor value: 8.315
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