Phytoremediation of heavy metals using Brassica juneca-A Review

Abstract

Remediation of contaminated sites with toxic and heavy metals is particularly a challenging task. Therefore pre-treatment is needed before the discharge of these effluents. Among all method investigated presently, Phytoremediation is found to be an emerging and most innovative tool for removal of environmental contaminants such as heavy metals, trace elements, radioactive compounds and organic compounds from soil or water. It has been proposed as a cost-effective and environmental friendly technique. It involves the use of either naturally occurring metal hyper accumulator plants or genetically engineered plants. Indian mustard known as Brassica juncea is well known hyper accumulator. This paper aims to compile some information about sources of heavy metals and their toxicity. It also reviews deeply about phytoremediation technology, including the heavy metal uptake mechanisms and several case studies associated with Brassica juneca.