Unleashing the Feasibility of Nanotechnology in Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil: A Critical Review Towards Sustainable Approach

The escalating threat posed by metal contamination to both biota and the environment has become a significant global concern. These pollutants have the potential to enter the food chain and pose adverse health effects on human beings. Traditional methods of pollutant removal are often costly and time-consuming, necessitating the need for an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach such as phytoremediation. However, despite its widespread use, phytoremediation possesses inherent limitations, primarily its slow rate of remediation, often spanning several decades. To overcome these limitations, the use of nanoparticles in conjunction with phytoremediation has emerged as a rapid and environmentally friendly alternative that mitigates secondary environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions, waste generation, and depletion of natural resources. Certain nanoparticles have been found to enhance the production of biomass in hyperaccumulator plants and assist in the scavenging of pollutants by augmenting antioxidant activities. This review provides insights into the mechanisms employed by plants during phytoremediation of contaminated soil, specifically focusing on the removal of heavy metals as well as highlighting the potential benefits derived from nanoparticle-assisted phytoremediation. Furthermore, future prospects for harnessing the full potential of nanoparticle-mediated phytoremediation are explored. While nano-phytoremediation holds promise as an effective soil cleanup strategy, further research and long-term studies are necessary to ensure its potential acceptability and effectiveness.