Phytoremediation and Microorganisms-Assisted Phytoremediation of Mercury-Contaminated Soils: Challenges and Perspectives

Emanuela D. Tiodar, Cristina L. Văcar and Dorina Podar
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Emanuela D. Tiodar: Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Babeş-Bolyai University, 1 Kogălniceanu St., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Cristina L. Văcar: Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Babeş-Bolyai University, 1 Kogălniceanu St., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Dorina Podar: Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Babeş-Bolyai University, 1 Kogălniceanu St., 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-37

Abstract: Mercury (Hg) pollution is a global threat to human and environmental health because of its toxicity, mobility and long-term persistence. Although costly engineering-based technologies can be used to treat heavily Hg-contaminated areas, they are not suitable for decontaminating agricultural or extensively-polluted soils. Emerging phyto- and bioremediation strategies for decontaminating Hg-polluted soils generally involve low investment, simple operation, and in situ application, and they are less destructive for the ecosystem. Current understanding of the uptake, translocation and sequestration of Hg in plants is reviewed to highlight new avenues for exploration in phytoremediation research, and different phytoremediation strategies (phytostabilization, phytoextraction and phytovolatilization) are discussed. Research aimed at identifying suitable plant species and associated-microorganisms for use in phytoremediation of Hg-contaminated soils is also surveyed. Investigation into the potential use of transgenic plants in Hg-phytoremediation is described. Recent research on exploiting the beneficial interactions between plants and microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) that are Hg-resistant and secrete plant growth promoting compounds is reviewed. We highlight areas where more research is required into the effective use of phytoremediation on Hg-contaminated sites, and conclude that the approaches it offers provide considerable potential for the future.

Keywords: mercury; microbe-assisted phytoremediation; heavy metals; Hg reduction; plants; Hg hyperaccumulator; phytovolatilization; metal sequestration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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