Metal phytoremediation: General strategies, genetically modified plants and applications in metal nanoparticle contamination.
The accumulation of metals in different environmental compartments poses a risk to both the environment and biota health. In particular, the continuous increase of these elements in soil ecosystems is a major worldwide concern. Phytoremediation has been gaining more attention in this regard. This approach takes advantage of the unique and selective uptake capabilities of plant root systems, and applies these natural processes alongside the translocation, bioaccumulation, and contaminant degradation abilities of the entire plant and, although it is a relatively recent technology, beginning in the 90's, it is already considered a green alternative solution to the problem of metal pollution, with great potential. This review focuses on phytoremediation of metals from soil, sludge, wastewater and water, the different strategies applied, the biological and physico-chemical processes involved and the advantages and limitations of each strategy. Special note is given to the use of transgenic species and phytoremediation of metallic nanoparticles.
Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais (LCA), Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia (CBB), Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense ''Darcy Ribeiro'' (UENF), Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil. Electronic address: maria_angelicagomes@yahoo.com.br.
Maria Angélica da Conceição
MA
Gomes
Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UNIRIO, Av. Pasteur, 458, Urca, CEP: 22290-240, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. Electronic address: rachel.hauser.davis@gmail.com.
Rachel Ann
RA
Hauser-Davis
Universidade Estácio de Sá - Estácio, Av. 28 de Março, 423 - Centro - Campos dos Goytacazes CEP: 28020-740, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Adriane Nunes
AN
de Souza
Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais (LCA), Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia (CBB), Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense ''Darcy Ribeiro'' (UENF), Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil.
Angela Pierre
AP
Vitória
Biological and physico-chemical processes; GMO; Metals; Nanoparticles; Phytoremediation