PHYTOREMEDIATION OF SOIL AND WATER CONTAMINATED WITH HEAVY METALS

Modern style of living, exponential growth in different industries, release of effluents and sewage without treatment has contaminated our soil and water bodies. Not only these, food materials are also being polluted with these toxic compounds and finally we are passively taking these chemicals through our food chain. Detoxification of the toxic metabolites is a burning challenge before the researcher and the scientists of the age. Among the different techniques so far being used, it is a confirmed fact that phytoremediation is the best because it is sustainable, cost effective and eco-friendly. More than 400 plant species have been identified to have potential for soil and water remediation. Among them Thlapsi, Brassica, Sedum alfredii H, Arabidopsis, Helianthus species have been mostly studied. This paper attempted to provide a brief review on recent progressive in research and practical applications of phytoremediation for soil and water resources.