Remediation and Detoxification of Emerging Xenobiotic through Plants

Xenobiotics present in the environment pose significant threats to ecosystems and human health, necessitating effective remediation strategies. Traditional methods often prove costly and intrusive, prompting the exploration of alternative approaches. Phytoremediation, utilizing plants for xenobiotic detoxification, has emerged as a promising solution. This chapter provides an overview of remediationʼs mechanisms, plant response to xenobiotics, plant-microbe synergy, and future directions. Phytoremediation relies on the capacity of plants to absorb, sequester, and modify heavy metal pollutants. Notably, the hybrid poplars effectively remediate emerging xenobiotics such as trichloroethylene (TCE). Chrysopogon zizanioides and Brassica juncea stand out as the most frequently utilized plant species for phytoremediation efforts targeting metal pollution. Additionally, a diverse range of plant species, such as sunflowers, willows, and poplars are also suitable for phytoremediation and examine techniques to enhance remediation efficiency. Plants possess adaptable detoxification systems to combat the phytotoxic effects of diverse natural and synthetic chemicals, known as xenobiotics, found in the environment. A crucial detoxification mechanism involves chemically modifying xenobiotics through covalent binding to the endogenous tripeptide, glutathione. This detoxification pathway shares numerous similarities with the pathway utilized by plants for synthesizing and depositing secondary metabolites like anthocyanins. Therefore, the view of phytoremediation in meeting dynamic environmental challenges is promising, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing sustainable environmental management practices.