Harnessing the Power of Plants: Innovative Approaches to Pollution Prevention and Mitigation

Wajid Zaman, Sajid Ali and Muhammad Saeed Akhtar ()
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Wajid Zaman: Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
Sajid Ali: Department of Horticulture and Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
Muhammad Saeed Akhtar: Department of Chemistry, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-20

Abstract: Innovative and sustainable environmental management strategies are urgently required to address the escalating global pollution crisis. Phytoremediation, which involves using plants to mitigate, remediate, or contain environmental contaminants, is a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional remediation methods. This review summarizes current research to elucidate the multifaceted roles of plants in pollution mitigation, detailing mechanisms such as phytoextraction, phytostabilization, phytodegradation, and rhizofiltration; we highlight successful case studies that demonstrate practical applications across diverse environments, such as the use of hyperaccumulator plants for heavy metal removal and genetically engineered species for organic pollutant degradation. Furthermore, this review explores recent technological advancements that have enhanced the effectiveness of phytoremediation, such as the integration of nanotechnology and genetic engineering. It also analyzes the economic and social implications of adopting plant-based pollution control strategies, emphasizing their potential for community involvement and socioeconomic benefits. Despite the promising outlook, we acknowledge the inherent challenges and limitations of phytoremediation, including public acceptance and scalability issues. Finally, we identify key opportunities for future research and innovative approaches that could expand the scope and impact of phytotechnologies in pollution mitigation. This comprehensive review underscores the potential of plants as both agents of environmental restoration and essential components of sustainable pollution management systems.

Keywords: phytoremediation; pollution mitigation; environmental management; phytoextraction; phytostabilization; genetic engineering; nanotechnology; sustainable practices; community involvement; socioeconomic benefits; environmental restoration (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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