Chapter 17 - Opportunities and challenges of utilizing energy crops in phytoremediation of environmental pollutants: A review

Abstract

In view of the wider frame of sustainability transitions in energy, it has opened up the avenues to explore resource-efficient as well as low carbon-emitting alternatives to fulfill our energy needs. The solution is sought to enhance energy production and reducing and preventing environmental pollutants from further degradation of the ecology. At present, the application of phytoremediation is explored as both a solution to decontaminate polluted environment and means to generate resource for energy production from biomass. However, the implications for growing energy crops with a phytoremediation potential is yet to be reviewed comprehensively and critically. The chapter attempts to juxtapose the implications in terms of opportunities and challenges about phytoremediation coupled energy production by reviewing the number of relevant research papers. The conclusion of the chapter would bring up inferences concerning social, economic, and environmental aspects with the application of phytoremediation using energy crops.