Abstract
Among the environmental concerns the accumulation of heavy metals is of prime importance. The factors that are generally responsible for deteriorating soil quality include geological and anthropogenic activities. Besides, due to constantly changing urbanization and industrialization patterns the quality of the soil has greatly been affected which ultimately poses a threat to the ecosystem, food safety and human health. Reclamation of these contaminated soils by engineering methods is expensive, time consuming and sometimes not eco-friendly. Researchers all over the world are focusing to exploit the potential of plants as phytoremediators, a technology which is cost-effective, sustainable and eco-friendly. Phytoremediation technology is emerging gradually and as one of the important components of green technology which aims to employ plants across various genera for restoring ecosystem health. Plants possess a natural ability to eliminate, detoxify or immobilize environmental contaminants in a growth matrix by means of various biological processes. The main significant points discussed in this chapter include the mechanisms of phytoremediation and factors affecting phytoremediation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
