Application of phytoremediation in the management of oil spillage: A review

Abstract

Crude oil production and distribution have increased the incidence of oil spills throughout the world. Oil spills often cause destructive effects on aquatic and land ecosystems. The oil spill clean-up and recovery techniques are challenging and usually involve complex mechanical, chemical, and biological methods. Usually, mechanical removal of free oil is utilized as an effective strategy for clean-up in aquatic and terrestrial environments; however, they are expensive and need specialist personnel and equipment. Phytoremediation is a green process that involves the use of plant in removing or degrading contaminants in the environment. Plants are able to remove pollutants through processes such as biodegradation, phytovolatilization, accumulation, and metabolic transformation. This review is focused on the impacts of oil spillage on the environment and the use of plants to extract, degrade, stabilize and volatilize spilled oil (management of oil spillage through phytoremediation) as well as the limitations of using phytoremediation in the management of oil spillage.