Cadmium Contamination in Aquatic Environments: Detoxification Mechanisms and Phytoremediation Approach

Josiane Pinheiro Farias, Benedict C. Okeke, Carolina Faccio Demarco, Filipe Selau Carlos, Rodrigo Ferreira da Silva, Marcos Antonio da Silva, Maurízio Silveira Quadro, Simone Pieniz and Robson Andreazza ()
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Josiane Pinheiro Farias: Technology Development Center, Science and Engineering of Materials Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
Benedict C. Okeke: Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Auburn University at Montgomery, P.O. Box 244023, Montgomery, AL 36124, USA
Carolina Faccio Demarco: Engineering Center, Environmental Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-020, RS, Brazil
Filipe Selau Carlos: Soil Science Department, Federal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão 96010-610, RS, Brazil
Rodrigo Ferreira da Silva: Department of Agronomic and Environmental Science, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
Marcos Antonio da Silva: Technology Development Center, Science and Engineering of Materials Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
Maurízio Silveira Quadro: Engineering Center, Environmental Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-020, RS, Brazil
Simone Pieniz: Engineering Center, Environmental Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-020, RS, Brazil
Robson Andreazza: Technology Development Center, Science and Engineering of Materials Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-24

Abstract: The increased presence of cadmium in the environment can lead to its increase in the food chain, particularly due to its accumulation in the consumable parts of plants. For humans, ingesting food containing high levels of Cd is a significant exposure pathway. Being a non-essential and non-metabolized element, it is harmful to microorganisms, animals, plants, and humans, even in minimal concentrations. As a result, there is a need for the remediation of both natural and urban environments. Bioremediation is a sustainable and eco-friendly technique for cleaning up the environment and reducing contamination of living organisms. This review explores the potential of phytoremediation, a bioremediation approach that utilizes plants as agents for decontamination, as a method to restore such areas. Certain plants, particularly macrophytes, are capable of remediating Cd. In response to induced stress, plants activate various tolerance mechanisms, including antioxidant enzyme systems (as peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) as well as non-enzymatic pathways (like phytochelatins). However, a thorough understanding of these tolerance mechanisms is essential for optimizing this method, especially for application in aquatic environments. This study will, therefore, review the existing tolerance and detoxification mechanisms for Cd, along with bioremediation strategies. The application of this eco-friendly approach is highly correlated with the three main areas required for sustainability: economic, environmental and social.

Keywords: plant-based metal extraction; aquatic plants; toxic metal removal; water body remediation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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