Review of the agronomic aspects, usage by population and mechanisms of phytoremediation

Abstract

The term phytoremediation comprises all processes involved in the remediation of contaminated soils, sediments and aquifer systems by the selection and usage of plants, microorganisms and enzymes and the application of agronomic techniques to degrade, retain, immobilize or reduce contaminated environments to non-toxic levels. Treatment by phytoremediation technique is not based on low costs. Many different types of biomass recycling may be used as fertilizers, animal meal, energy generator, fabrication of paper, protein extraction for diets, extraction of chemically active compounds for use as plant growth stimulant. Phytoremediation may be classified according to the technique employed, to the type of chemical or pollutant. Solutions may be undertaken by phytoextraction, phytostabilization, phytostimulation, phytovolatilization and phytodegration. Current research reviews aspects of phytoremediation by plants with special focus on the characteristics of phytoremediating plants, improvements and applications of the technique and of phytoremediation mechanisms.