The challenges of remediating metals using phytotechnologies

SABRINA G. IBAÑEZ; ANA L. WEVAR OLLER; PAISIO C.,; ELIZABETH AGOSTINI.

Heavy Metals in the Environment: Microorganisms and Bioremediation

CRC Press, Taylor & Francis

Año: 2017; p. 1 - 200

Phytoremediation, now included within the broader concept of phytotechnologies, is the strategic use ofplants for the recovery of contaminated environments, and it has been increasingly considered as asustainable approach for such purposes. Even though there have been numerous advances in theunderstanding of genetics, physiology and biochemistry of phytoremediation that have allow to enhanceplants? tolerance and metabolism, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed to become it in awidely used practice. Among them, the most challenging goals include: modification of work-scale tomimic the realism of polluted soils, adjustment of phytoremediation research to the field, monitoring ofactivities post phytotechnology application and generation of valuable phyto-products to reach economicalsustainability. Although these issues have begun to be addressed, they require joint efforts from differentstakeholders involved. In this chapter we will review the encouranging advances reached in the last yearsand highlight aspects that remain to be explored, specifically regarding metals phytoremediation.