Recent developments in phosphate-assisted phytoremediation of potentially toxic metal(loid)s-contaminated soils

Phosphate-assisted phytoremediation has become an effective, economic, and environmentally sustainable process for the clean-up of potentially toxic metal(loid)s (PTMs)-contaminated soils. However, phosphate-induced phytoremediation efficiency can be enhanced depending upon PTMs concentration, plant species, and soil conditions. Phosphate-induced phytoremediation efficiency depends on several factors and phosphate interaction with soil components. Present chapter highlights that phosphate application has dual effects on the phytoremediation process, which may mobilize and or immobilize PTMs in soil. Besides, phosphate addition reduces PTMs toxicity and improve plants health. The role of microorganisms in regulating phosphate desolation and availability was also discussed. Depending on phosphate interaction with soil exchange sites, organic and inorganic components, nutrients, and microbial communities, it may have some advantages and disadvantages in phosphate-assisted phytoremediation of PTMs in soils. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of phosphate-assisted phytoremediation of PTMs in soil that can be an imperative resource for the scientific community working in multidisciplinary fields dealing with phytoremediation and PTMs contamination management.