Phytoremediation: Aim for a Cleaner Environment

Pollution is a global concern which is increasing with each passing day and needs a practical approach. Various technologies have been used time and again to combat this issue, each proving its efficiency. Phytoremediation is one such technique which efficiently removes the contaminants from polluted water and soil. Phytoremediation is an eco-friendly technique which removes, decomposes, or converts toxic heavy metals, toxicants, or pollutants to less harmful form thereby conserving the ecological status of the natural resources. It is a collective and structural approach with visible results. There are various types of techniques involved in phytoremediation such as phyto-extraction, phyto-degradation, phyto-stabilization, phytovolatilization, rhizo-filtration, rhizo-degradation, and phyto-hydraulics. The plants used for phytoremediation have an inherent ability to tolerate toxic concentrations of heavy metals and other contaminants. These plants gradually adsorb, absorb, and precipitate these toxic compounds into the other less 122 harmful or harmless compounds. Phytoremediation has been seen as a very effective tool for reducing the pollution without harming the ecosystem.