Prospects and Challenges of Heavy Metal Pollution Mitigation in the Bay of Bengal by Phytoremediation

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution, a grave concern due to its toxicity and longevity, has reached alarming levels in some coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal. Originating from shipbreaking industries, untreated industrial wastages, agricultural residues, and anthropological sources, this pollution has become a major environmental threat. It can enter the food chain and accumulate in the human body, posing a significant risk to human health. Due to the advancement of science, many sophisticated techniques have been developed in recent years to detect heavy metals in the environment. At the same time, some techniques have also been developed to remove heavy metals from the marine environment. However, the efficacy of these techniques has some doubt. Amidst this crisis, Phytoremediation, a plant-based method, offers a beacon of hope. This review delves into the dire consequences of heavy metal pollution in seawater, human health toxicity, and the crucial role of phytoremediation in mitigating this crisis.