Safe, efficient, and economically beneficial remediation of arsenic-contaminated soil: possible strategies for increasing arsenic tolerance and accumulation in non-edible economically important native plants.

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities, geological processes, and biogenic sources have led to the enhanced concentration of arsenic (As), a toxic metalloid in water and soil. Non-edible, economically important plants can be employed for safe As phytoremediation in addition to generating extra income. However, these plants may get affected by stressful local environmental conditions. Native plant species are adapted to local environmental conditions and hence overcome this problem. Native non-edible economic plant species which show high As tolerance and accumulation are promising candidate for safe, efficient, and economically beneficial phytoremediation of As-contaminated sites. The current review discusses the potential of native economic plant species that can be used in As phytoremediation programme. However, since their phytoremediation potential is moderate, possible strategies for increasing As olerance and accumulation, especially genetic modification, have been discussed in detail. Knowledge gained from the review can be used for the development of As tolerance and accumulation in non-edible economic native plants.