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Phytoremediation of Nickel-Contaminated Soils: An Integrative Review of Plant Species, Remediation Mechanisms, and Soil Factors

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Increasing soil contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) threatens environmental quality and ecosystem health, reinforcing the need for effective remediation strategies. Phytoremediation uses plants to remove, immobilize, or neutralize contaminants and represents a sustainable approach for restoring contaminated soils. Although nickel (Ni) is an essential plant micronutrient, elevated concentrations can cause phytotoxicity. This review synthesized data from field and controlled-condition studies on the effects of soil Ni concentrations and the phytoremediation performance of plant species. A Web of Science search identified 230 studies, of which 94 met the predefined inclusion criteria. Plant responses varied according to species and Ni concentration. More than 86% of the 449 plant records corresponded to herbaceous plants; Poaceae accounted for over 26% of the reported Ni-phytoremediating taxa, followed by Brassicaceae at approximately 18%. Brassica juncea showed the most consistent performance, combining Ni tolerance with phytoextraction and hyperaccumulation. Alyssum murale exhibited the highest phytoextraction capacity and the highest Ni concentration among the hyperaccumulators. Overall, the reviewed evidence supports phytoremediation as a sustainable strategy for Ni-contaminated environments. However, further research is required to support large-scale implementation and ensure alignment with global environmental sustainability objectives.

Source: Soil Systems

DOI: 10.3390/soilsystems10090104