Review and Prospects of Phytoremediation: Harnessing Biofuel-Producing Plants for Environmental Remediation

Wimukthika Wijekoon, Hasitha Priyashantha (), Pradeep Gajanayake, Pathmalal Manage, Champika Liyanage, Shishanthi Jayarathna and Udayagee Kumarasinghe ()
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Wimukthika Wijekoon: Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
Hasitha Priyashantha: Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
Pradeep Gajanayake: Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Pitipana, Homagama 10200, Sri Lanka
Pathmalal Manage: Department of Zoology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
Champika Liyanage: School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
Shishanthi Jayarathna: Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
Udayagee Kumarasinghe: Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Pitipana, Homagama 10200, Sri Lanka

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-20

Abstract: Heavy metal (HM) pollution has become a major environmental concern due to increased anthropogenic activities. The persistence and toxicity of HMs pose significant risks to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. This review highlights the pressing issue of HM contamination, its impact on ecosystems, and the potential risks of bio-magnification. Addressing these issues requires sustainable and cost-effective solutions. Among various remediation strategies, phytoremediation stands out as a promising green technology for mitigating environmental damage by using plants to extract or detoxify contaminants. A key challenge in phytoremediation, however, is the management of large volumes of contaminated biomass. This study explores the integration of phytoremediation with biofuel production, which not only addresses biomass management but also offers a sustainable solution within the framework of the circular economy. The dual role of specific plant species in both phytoremediation and biofuel production is evaluated, providing reduced environmental waste, lowering remediation costs, and promoting energy security. Future advancements in plant engineering, biotechnology, and process optimization hold the potential to enhance phytoremediation efficiency and biofuel yields. Expanding research into metal-tolerant, high-biomass crops can further improve scalability and economic feasibility. The review also critically assesses challenges such as the safe handling of contaminated biomass, sustainability concerns, and existing research gaps. By merging environmental remediation with bioenergy production, this interdisciplinary approach presents a viable pathway toward sustainable development.

Keywords: phytoremediation; biomass; biofuel; HMs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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