Hyperaccumulative Plants in Soil Remediation

Abstract

Soil contamination by heavy metals presents critical environmental and public health challenges, particularly in agricultural and urban regions. Traditional remediation techniques, while effective, are often cost-prohibitive and environmentally disruptive. This literature review evaluates the potential of hyperaccumulating plants as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative for phytoremediation. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies, government reports, and case analyses, the review examines the biological mechanisms of metal uptake and storage, metrics for evaluating remediation efficiency, and species-specific performance under varying environmental conditions. Key enhancement strategies, including genetic engineering, microbial symbiosis, and soil amendments, are discussed as methods to improve phytoremediation outcomes. Despite advantages such as low operational cost and ecological compatibility, challenges remain, including slow remediation timelines, biomass disposal, and variable metal uptake. The review concludes with recommendations for future research to advance practical deployment, including economic feasibility studies and large-scale field trials. Overall, hyperaccumulative phytoremediation holds promise as a long-term remediation solution, especially when integrated with supportive technologies and policy frameworks.