Phytoremediation of Organic Contaminants: An Eco-friendly Approach-Based Application of Aquatic Macrophytes

Environmental pollution is a serious global issue that threatens public health and the well-being of living beings. Unmatched pollution in aquatic ecosystems necessitates environmentally acceptable, long-term remedial technologies. One of the most effective strategies among the numerous ones implemented so far for environmental remediation is phytoremediation. It is a low-cost, eco-friendly, and long-term method which uses hyperaccumulator plants to convert and/or stabilize the pollutants in soil/water matrices. In recent years, aquatic macrophytes have gained significant attention in the field of environmental cleanup. Aquatic macrophytes are the key component of wetlands that have a substantial impression on ecosystem functions and services. This chapter gives an overview of the aquatic macrophytes and outlines the recent progress made in the use of macrophytes for the remediation of various organic contaminants. In addition, artificial wetlands, their types, and their role in wastewater treatment have been discussed.