Abstract
Existing information relating to the application of phytoremediation in arid regions, for mitigating the toxicity of organic and inorganic contaminants is summarized, emphasizing the comparative merits of different phyto-strategies. Adverse climatic conditions in arid and semi-arid environments along with the intrinsic abiotic stresses need specific considerations, which are discussed here. The current “state of art” for petrochemical and metal phytoremediation, as well as phytodesalination is presented, making it possible to choose the very best decision, when the technology is applied for various contaminant scenarios. Information is also provided on contaminants in arid regions, remediation approaches and different phytoremediation strategies to be adopted, depending on the nature of contaminants and the site situations. Furthermore, phytodesalination may well occur in parallel with phytoremediation of heavy metal polluted soils in arid regions, enhancing the potential of this process. This has drawn a great deal of interest during recent years and is reviewed here. Finally, the lacunae in the current knowledge are identified, which has to be addressed to improve the effectiveness of phytoremediation under arid conditions.
Highlights
Arid environments are really different in terms of their land forms, soils, fauna, flora, water balance, and human activities
The results showed that a highert reduction (26%) of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) was observed in the rhizosphere soil of P. cineraria as compared to 15.6 % and 12.8 % reduction in the rhizosphere soil of A. senegal and A. nilotica respectively
The results clearly revealed the efficiency of P. cineraria for phytoremediation of TPHs in a contaminated desert soil when compared to the other two legume trees (Mathur et al, 2010)
Summary
Arid environments are really different in terms of their land forms, soils, fauna, flora, water balance, and human activities. The soils are often saline, as evaporation rates exceed rainfall and natural salts derive from saline rainfall, unweathered minerals, and fossil salts (Mendez and Maier, 2008). They have low contents of organic matter and moisture, and are usually subjected to rather harsh environmental conditions, e.g., extreme. Shrubs as well as trees can be used for phytoremediation. Grasses provide a ground cover and limit wind dispersion of tailings, whereas shrubs and trees provide an extensive canopy and establish a deep root network to prevent erosion (Williams and Currey, 2002)
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