Review on Phytoremediation: Toxic Heavy Metal Removal
Authors: Nithyanandam Rajesh , Orvy Moontarij Jahan , Rajesh Rajavarsini , Rajendran Rupika , SudhiMithran Jyotsna 
Published: January 2024

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.