Exploring the contribution of non-edible plants in phytoremediation and biofuel production in India

Recent global research has increasingly addressed the consequences of land degradation and the energy crisis, spurred by the need for sustainable energy conversions. This broader sustainability framework has fostered investigation into resource-efficient, low CO2 emission solutions. Non-edible energy (NEE) plants, which can thrive on degraded lands, offer a promising dual benefit as they contribute to land remediation and present opportunities for bioenergy and value-added bio-based products. The process of phytoremediation mediated by NEE-plants extract heavy metals (HMs) and degrade toxic substances such as fertilizers, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) present in the soil, is quite promising for the future. Post-harvest, HMs are stabilized or recovered using techniques such as ash immobilization, biochar production, and phytomining, while organic contaminants are reduced during biofuel conversion. This approach not only averts the transfer of contaminants into the food chain but also optimizes energy transitions, aiding to mitigate land degradation and thereby advancing both environmental sustainability and economic viability. Current review focuses on the available literature obtained through various sources of which 114 specific publications pertaining to NEE-plants were analyzed for the area of research. Surprisingly, there are very few articles that talk about the vital role of NEE-plants in remediating degraded areas through phytoremediation and their potential of biofuel production. The review discusses the role of NEE-plants in supporting land degradation neutrality and contribute to India's 2030 bioenergy targets of 500 GW. An integration of land remediation with bioenergy production, could perhaps be a future promising strategy for enhancing environmental and economic outcomes in India.