Phytoremediation of contaminated soil by heavy metals: a review

Authors

  • Maybis Eugenia López Hernández Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua UNAN Managua, Nicaragua https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4523-3129
  • Osman Enrique Morales Hernández Instituto Nicaragüense de Energía-INE, Nicaragua

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5377/elhigo.v12i2.15197

Keywords:

Phytoremediation of contaminated soils, heavy metals, bioavailability, challenges, biomass disposal

Abstract

The objective of this article is to provide a description of the basic concepts of phytoremediation as a friendly and viable technology for the remediation of soils by heavy metals. Through the compilation of documentation in reliable databases and a review of the available literature, publications related to the phytoremediation of contaminated sites were included. Within phytoremediation there are different strategies such as phytoextraction, phytostabilization and phytovolatilization, which have advantages such as the permanent removal of metals from the soil without altering the quality of soils, it contributes to restoring the vegetation of the site and reducing soil erosion, in addition, it can be applied on-site or off-site. However, among its disadvantages are the prolonged period of time, the phytotoxicity of plants and bioavailability of the metal, and the treatment of contaminated biomass whose management alternatives include its disposal in landfills for hazardous waste or incineration for purification and recovery of heavy metals. Another alternative is the use of biomass as bioenergy, however, there is little knowledge about the emissions that could be generated during this process. Among the challenges of phytoremediation are the low growth rate of plants, shallow roots and low biomass production, as well as pests and diseases that can reduce the efficiency in the removal of pollutants. Phytoremediation has had a great boom in recent years, however, there are still challenges to face to achieve sustainable phytoremediation.

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Author Biographies

Maybis Eugenia López Hernández, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua UNAN Managua, Nicaragua

Licenciada Química, estudiante de Maestría en Ciencias Ambientales con Mención en Gestión Ambiental del Programa de Investigación de Estudios Nacionales y Servicios del Ambiente (PIENSA) de la UNI. Responsable de laboratorio de Fisicoquímica en el Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología de UNAN-Managua.

Osman Enrique Morales Hernández, Instituto Nicaragüense de Energía-INE, Nicaragua

Ingeniero Industrial y de Sistemas (UNAN-Managua); Posgrado en Gerencia de Operaciones Centrado en la Calidad (UNI); Estudiante de Maestría en Ciencias Ambientales con Mención en Gestión Ambiental del Programa de Investigación de Estudios Nacionales y Servicios del Ambiente (PIENSA) de la UNI. Especialista Ambiental del Instituto Nicaragüense de Energía-INE.

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Published

2022-12-01

How to Cite

López Hernández, M. E. ., & Morales Hernández, O. E. . (2022). Phytoremediation of contaminated soil by heavy metals: a review. Journal of Science and Technology El Higo, 12(2), 15–28. https://doi.org/10.5377/elhigo.v12i2.15197

Issue

Section

Review article