Work

Advancing Phytoremediation: A Review of Soil Amendments for Heavy Metal Contamination Management

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Heavy metal (HM) contamination poses a major threat to environmental health, agriculture and human well-being, requiring effective and sustainable remediation strategies. Phytoremediation, an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach, is widely used for the remediation of HM-contaminated soils. Although phytoremediation holds considerable potential in the extraction, stabilisation and degradation of HMs, its effectiveness is often constrained by limited metal bioavailability, plant stress under toxic conditions and slow metal uptake rates. To address these limitations, this review examines the integration of various soil amendments—the application of biochar, compost, plant exudates, microbial agents and chelating agents—to enhance phytoremediation efficiency. This review critically evaluates empirical evidence on the effectiveness, scalability, economic feasibility and environmental impact of these amendments. By synthesising recent studies, this review advances the understanding of amendment-assisted phytoremediation as a viable solution for treating HM-contaminated soils. In addition, this review identifies practical applications, discusses limitations and explores the potential synergies of these amendments to optimise phytoremediation strategies, ultimately contributing to more effective and sustainable environmental cleanup efforts.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17135688

Authors: Ahmed Abderrafaa Tamma, Krzysztof Lejcuś, Wiesław Fiałkiewicz, Daria Marczak

Institution: Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Heavy metals in environment

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896