Abstract

Over the past centuries, increasing levels of environmental pollution can be owing to increased human activities. The risky agricultural practices and the enormous growth of industrialization have led to raised levels of anthropogenic chemicals into the environment. Amongst the various pollutants, heavy metals and metalloids have significantly contributed to widespread soil contamination. Different physical, chemical and biological processes have been used for the efficient remediation of polluted soil. The use of traditional physicochemical treatments of soil has led to the development of new technologies for remediation. Phytoremediation involves the use of plants to bioremediate pollutants from the contaminated soils. Plants that are hyperaccumulators can take up heavy metals from soil and offer a possibility to clean up the polluted sites. This plant-mediated technology is emerging as an efficient and environmental friendly treatment technique that could be used as an in situ, noninvasive and aesthetic solution. It is economical, easy to manipulate and can be engaged in high-risk contamination regions by planting particular species for preventive measures.