Heavy metal contamination of soil and water poses a significant threat to ecosystem health and food security. Metals such as cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury, chromium, and nickel are toxic to plants, soil organisms, and animals, disrupting vital soil functions, impairing crop development, and accumulating through the food chain. Human activities such as mining, industrial emissions, and agricultural practices exacerbate this pollution. Traditional remediation methods are costly and environmentally damaging, making phytoremediation a promising, sustainable alternative. Techniques like phytoextraction, Phyto stabilization, phytovolatilization, and Phyto filtration harness plants' natural abilities to cleanse contaminated environments, offering cost-effective, low-impact solutions. However, challenges remain, including the need for careful plant selection and long-term monitoring to prevent re-emission and ensure safety. A combined approach integrating phytoremediation with other technologies and sustainable practices is essential for effective, long-term environmental restoration. Continued research and global cooperation are needed to optimize these strategies, advancing a sustainable solution to heavy metal contamination and promoting better soil health and agricultural Production on sustainable basis.
Soil contamination, heavy metals, remediation, soil management, fertilizers
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