Review on Phytoremediation: Toxic Heavy Metal Removal

Abstract: Among the environmental contaminants in water, heavy metals and other pollutants are becoming a common occurrence. To solve this issue, the process of phytoremediation was utilized to clear up polluted media. Heavy metal and other pollution contamination of water is becoming more common, which has prompted a conversation that goes beyond heavy metals. These "other pollutants" include a wide range of materials, such as nutrients, suspended particles, bacteria, and organic compounds like pesticides, medicines, and industrial chemicals. There are several removal approaches available to address this complex issue. The removal of specific compounds and suspended materials is the goal of physical techniques like coagulation and chemical treatments like filtering. Biological treatments use natural mechanisms to break down organic contaminants and nutrients, such as bacteria or plants. Reactive agents are used in advanced oxidation procedures like UV irradiation and ozonation to break down pollutants. Technologies, including reverse osmosis and distillation, as well as ion exchange and adsorption, are essential for eliminating contaminants from water sources. The review shows applying the phytoremediation technique with ornamental plants that have the ability to absorb and store such heavy metals in their roots and leaves. The methods were used to determine the intake and the location of accumulation in these plants discussed, respectively. To compare the levels of the heavy metals accumulated in the plant, samples were digested, dried, and subjected to several phytoremediation procedures. The use of biological remediation has drawn a lot of interest recently because of its inexpensive long-term application costs and environmental friendliness. The use of ornamental plants in phytoremediation has received little attention, and the effects of heavy metals on ornamental plants have not been extensively studied as well. Remediation of the heavy metals mediated by ornamental plants can simultaneously eliminate toxins and improve the site's appearance. The current purification techniques used to remove contaminants from wastewater are not only exceedingly expensive, but they also have a detrimental effect on the environment. The environmentally friendly process known as phytoremediation offers a cost-effective and ecologically sound alternative to the present, very expensive cleanup techniques. Some ornamental plants are suited to ingesting heavy metals and other pollutants where the maximal concentration can be determined. This method effectively removes, detoxifies, or immobilizes heavy metals using aquatic plants and ornamental plants. Review highlights include current understanding of heavy metal toxicity to ornamental plants, benefits of their application, ways to increase ornamental plants' tolerance with increased heavy metals absorption, field problems, and potential applications in the future. The assessment has been focused on the interdisciplinary aspects and understanding that this approach brings to the sustainable treatment of heavy metals. The goal of this analysis was to evaluate phytoremediation's status as an innovative technique and to discuss its potential and utility in the treatment of highly polluted water.