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Plants
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Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives
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Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant–Soil Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 37461

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Maria Luce Bartucca

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Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Borgo XX Giugno 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy
Interests: phytoremediation; agrochemicals; xenobiotic detoxification; defensive enzymes; plant nutrition; biostimulants
Prof. Dr. Cinzia Forni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy
Interests: abiotic stress response in plants; the production of secondary metabolites in vivo and in vitro; plant-growth-promoting bacteria; phytoremediation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Martina Cerri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Interests: plant anatomy; plant physiology; plant reproduction; electron microscopy; immunohistochemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Environmental pollution is a widespread problem that humans must prevent and counteract to ensure the wellbeing of all species on our planet. Among the methods used to decontaminate polluted water and soil, phytoremediation is highly regarded for its effectiveness and ecofriendliness. This technology uses plants capable of removing pollutants from the growing medium. Some plant species, possibly together with their associated microorganisms, have been proven to absorb and/or degrade large amounts of contaminants, without their vital functions being compromised. Usually, these plant species constitutionally possess high levels of antioxidant or detoxifying molecules, which can be further induced in response to the accumulation of xenobiotics. The phytoremediation techniques currently applied are many, and the range of pollutants that are successfully removed or made less harmful is vast. Nevertheless, many processes behind this technology remain to be elucidated. In addition, new approaches can be used to increase the performance of this technique or to broaden its horizon of application.

Given the importance of these themes in relation to the global challenges of environmental sustainability, this Special Issue of Plants aims to expand knowledge in this field. 

Dr. Maria Luce Bartucca
Prof. Dr. Cinzia Forni
Dr. Martina Cerri
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • environmental pollution
  • contaminants
  • xenobiotics
  • detoxification
  • antioxidants
  • hyperaccumulators
  • plants
  • microbes
  • wastewater

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 207 KiB  
Editorial
Phytoremediation of Pollutants: Applicability and Future Perspective
by Maria Luce Bartucca, Martina Cerri and Cinzia Forni
Plants 2023, 12(13), 2462; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132462 - 27 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1165
Abstract
Environmental pollution is a global issue since it is spreading worldwide, affecting entire ecosystems [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives)

Research

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13 pages, 1938 KiB  
Article
Remediation Capacity of Different Microalgae in Effluents Derived from the Cigarette Butt Cleaning Process
by Carolina Chiellini, Lorenzo Mariotti, Thais Huarancca Reyes, Eduardo José de Arruda, Gustavo Graciano Fonseca and Lorenzo Guglielminetti
Plants 2022, 11(13), 1770; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131770 - 03 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2627
Abstract
Microalgal-based remediation is an ecofriendly and cost-effective system for wastewater treatment. This study evaluated the capacity of microalgae in the remediation of wastewater from cleaning process of smoked cigarette butts (CB). At laboratory scale, six strains (one from the family Scenedesmaceae, two Chlamydomonas [...] Read more.
Microalgal-based remediation is an ecofriendly and cost-effective system for wastewater treatment. This study evaluated the capacity of microalgae in the remediation of wastewater from cleaning process of smoked cigarette butts (CB). At laboratory scale, six strains (one from the family Scenedesmaceae, two Chlamydomonas debaryana and three Chlorella sorokiniana) were exposed to different CB wastewater dilutions to identify toxicity levels reflected in the alteration of microalgal physiological status and to determine the optimal conditions for an effective removal of contaminants. CB wastewater could impact on microalgal chlorophyll and carotenoid production in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the resistance and remediation capacity did not only depend on the microalgal strain, but also on the chemical characteristics of the organic pollutants. In detail, nicotine was the most resistant pollutant to removal by the microalgae tested and its low removal correlated with the inhibition of photosynthetic pigments affecting microalgal growth. Concerning the optimal conditions for an effective bioremediation, this study demonstrated that the Chlamydomonas strain named F2 showed the best removal capacity to organic pollutants at 5% CB wastewater (corresponding to 25 butts L−1 or 5 g CB L−1) maintaining its growth and photosynthetic pigments at control levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives)
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15 pages, 2703 KiB  
Article
Online Control of Lemna minor L. Phytoremediation: Using pH to Minimize the Nitrogen Outlet Concentration
by Kwanele Sigcau, Ignatius Leopoldus van Rooyen, Zian Hoek, Hendrik Gideon Brink and Willie Nicol
Plants 2022, 11(11), 1456; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11111456 - 30 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1816
Abstract
Phytoremediation technologies are employed worldwide to remove nutrient pollutants from agricultural and industrial wastewater. Unlike in algae-based nutrient removal, control methodologies for plant-based remediation have not been standardized. Control systems that guarantee consistently low outlet concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous often use expensive [...] Read more.
Phytoremediation technologies are employed worldwide to remove nutrient pollutants from agricultural and industrial wastewater. Unlike in algae-based nutrient removal, control methodologies for plant-based remediation have not been standardized. Control systems that guarantee consistently low outlet concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorous often use expensive analytical instruments and are therefore rarely viable. In this study, pH measurement was used as the sole input to control the nitrate outlet concentration in a continuously operated Lemna minor (lesser duckweed) phytoremediation tank. When grown in 20 L batches of modified Hoagland’s solution, it was found that a constant ratio exists between the amount of nitrate removed and the amount of acid dosed (required for pH control), which was equal to 1.25 mol N·(mol H+)−1. The nitrate uptake rates were determined by standard spetrophotometric method. At critically low nitrate concentrations, this ratio reduced slightly to 1.08 mol N·(mol H+)−1. Assuming a constant nitrogen content, the biomass growth rate could be predicted based on the acid dosing rate. A proportional-integral controller was used to maintain pH on 6.5 in a semi-continuously operated tank covered by L. minor. A nitrogen control strategy was developed which exploited this relationship between nitrate uptake and dosing and successfully removed upwards of 80% of the fed nitrogen from synthetic wastewater while a constant biomass layer was maintained. This study presents a clear illustration of how advanced chemical engineering control principles can be applied in phytoremediation processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives)
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16 pages, 1753 KiB  
Article
Impact of Soil Inoculation with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 on the Phytoaccumulation of Germanium, Rare Earth Elements, and Potentially Toxic Elements
by Precious Uchenna Okoroafor, Lotte Mann, Kerian Amin Ngu, Nazia Zaffar, Nthati Lillian Monei, Christin Boldt, Thomas Reitz, Hermann Heilmeier and Oliver Wiche
Plants 2022, 11(3), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030341 - 27 Jan 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2595
Abstract
Bioaugmentation promises benefits for agricultural production as well as for remediation and phytomining approaches. Thus, this study investigated the effect of soil inoculation with the commercially available product RhizoVital®42, which contains Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42, on nutrient uptake and plant biomass production [...] Read more.
Bioaugmentation promises benefits for agricultural production as well as for remediation and phytomining approaches. Thus, this study investigated the effect of soil inoculation with the commercially available product RhizoVital®42, which contains Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42, on nutrient uptake and plant biomass production as well as on the phytoaccumulation of potentially toxic elements, germanium, and rare earth elements (REEs). Zea mays and Fagopyrum esculentum were selected as model plants, and after harvest, the element uptake was compared between plants grown on inoculated versus reference soil. The results indicate an enrichment of B. amyloliquefaciens in inoculated soils as well as no significant impact on the inherent bacterial community composition. For F. esculentum, inoculation increased the accumulation of most nutrients and As, Cu, Pb, Co, and REEs (significant for Ca, Cu, and Co with 40%, 2042%, and 383%, respectively), while it slightly decreased the uptake of Ge, Cr, and Fe. For Z. mays, soil inoculation decreased the accumulation of Cr, Pb, Co, Ge, and REEs (significant for Co with 57%) but showed an insignificant increased uptake of Cu, As, and nutrient elements. Summarily, the results suggest that bioaugmentation with B. amyloliquefaciens is safe and has the potential to enhance/reduce the phytoaccumulation of some elements and the effects of inoculation are plant specific. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives)
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18 pages, 629 KiB  
Article
Heavy Metals Assimilation by Native and Non-Native Aquatic Macrophyte Species: A Case Study of a River in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
by Getrude Tshithukhe, Samuel N. Motitsoe and Martin P. Hill
Plants 2021, 10(12), 2676; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122676 - 06 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2618
Abstract
There is continuous deterioration of freshwater systems globally due to excessive anthropogenic inputs, which severely affect important socio-economic and ecological services. We investigated the water and sediment quality at 10 sites along the severely modified Swartkops River system in the Eastern Cape Province [...] Read more.
There is continuous deterioration of freshwater systems globally due to excessive anthropogenic inputs, which severely affect important socio-economic and ecological services. We investigated the water and sediment quality at 10 sites along the severely modified Swartkops River system in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and then quantified the phytoremediation potential by native and non-native macrophyte species over a period of 6 months. We hypothesized that the presence of semi and permanent native and non-native macrophytes mats would reduce water and sediment contamination through assimilation downriver. Our results were variable and, thus, inconsistent with our hypotheses; there were no clear trends in water and sediment quality improvement along the Swartkops River. Although variable, the free-floating non-native macrophyte, Pontederia (=Eichhornia) crassipes recorded the highest assimilation potential of heavy metals in water (e.g., Fe and Cu) and sediments (e.g., Fe and Zn), followed by a submerged native macrophyte, Stuckenia pectinatus, and three native emergent species, Typha capensis, Cyperus sexangularis, and Phragmites australis. Pollution indices clearly showed the promising assimilation by native and non-native macrophytes species; however, the Swartkops River was heavily influenced by multiple non-point sources along the system, compromising the assimilation effect. Furthermore, we emphasise that excessive anthropogenic inputs compromise the system’s ability to assimilate heavy metals inputs leading to water quality deterioration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives)
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16 pages, 1016 KiB  
Article
Influence of Hydrocarbon-Oxidizing Bacteria on the Growth, Biochemical Characteristics, and Hormonal Status of Barley Plants and the Content of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in the Soil
by Elena Kuzina, Gulnaz Rafikova, Lidiya Vysotskaya, Tatyana Arkhipova, Margarita Bakaeva, Dar’ya Chetverikova, Guzel Kudoyarova, Tatyana Korshunova and Sergey Chetverikov
Plants 2021, 10(8), 1745; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081745 - 23 Aug 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2472
Abstract
Much attention is paid to the relationship between bacteria and plants in the process of the bioremediation of oil-contaminated soils, but the effect of petroleum degrading bacteria that synthesize phytohormones on the content and distribution of these compounds in plants is poorly studied. [...] Read more.
Much attention is paid to the relationship between bacteria and plants in the process of the bioremediation of oil-contaminated soils, but the effect of petroleum degrading bacteria that synthesize phytohormones on the content and distribution of these compounds in plants is poorly studied. The goal of the present field experiment was to study the effects of hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria that produce auxins on the growth, biochemical characteristics, and hormonal status of barley plants in the presence of oil, as well as assessing the effect of bacteria and plants separately and in association with the content of oil hydrocarbons in the soil. The treatment of plants with strains of Enterobacter sp. UOM 3 and Pseudomonas hunanensis IB C7 led to an increase in the length and mass of roots and shoots and the leaf surface index, and an improvement in some parameters of the elements of the crop structure, which were suppressed by the pollutant. The most noticeable effect of bacteria on the plant hormonal system was a decrease in the accumulation of abscisic acid. The data obtained indicate that the introduction of microorganisms weakened the negative effects on plants under abiotic stress caused by the presence of oil. Plant-bacteria associations were more effective in reducing the content of hydrocarbons in the soil and increasing its microbiological activity than when either organism was used individually. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives)
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Review

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25 pages, 753 KiB  
Review
Use of Biostimulants as a New Approach for the Improvement of Phytoremediation Performance—A Review
by Maria Luce Bartucca, Martina Cerri, Daniele Del Buono and Cinzia Forni
Plants 2022, 11(15), 1946; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11151946 - 27 Jul 2022
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3996
Abstract
Environmental pollution is one of the most pressing global issues, and it requires priority attention. Environmental remediation techniques have been developed over the years and can be applied to polluted sites, but they can have limited effectiveness and high energy consumption and costs. [...] Read more.
Environmental pollution is one of the most pressing global issues, and it requires priority attention. Environmental remediation techniques have been developed over the years and can be applied to polluted sites, but they can have limited effectiveness and high energy consumption and costs. Bioremediation techniques, on the other hand, represent a promising alternative. Among them, phytoremediation is attracting particular attention, a green methodology that relies on the use of plant species to remediate contaminated sites or prevent the dispersion of xenobiotics into the environment. In this review, after a brief introduction focused on pollution and phytoremediation, the use of plant biostimulants (PBs) in the improvement of the remediation effectiveness is proposed. PBs are substances widely used in agriculture to raise crop production and resistance to various types of stress. Recent studies have also documented their ability to counteract the deleterious effects of pollutants on plants, thus increasing the phytoremediation efficiency of some species. The works published to date, reviewed and discussed in the present work, reveal promising prospects in the remediation of polluted environments, especially for heavy metals, when PBs derived from humic substances, protein and amino acid hydrolysate, inorganic salts, microbes, seaweed, plant extracts, and fungi are employed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives)
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34 pages, 1930 KiB  
Review
Endophytes and Halophytes to Remediate Industrial Wastewater and Saline Soils: Perspectives from Qatar
by Bassam T. Yasseen and Roda F. Al-Thani
Plants 2022, 11(11), 1497; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11111497 - 02 Jun 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3176
Abstract
Many halophytes are considered to be salt hyperaccumulators, adopting ion extrusion and inclusion mechanisms. Such plants, with high aboveground biomass, may play crucial roles in saline habitats, including soil desalination and phytoremediation of polluted soils and waters. These plants cause significant changes in [...] Read more.
Many halophytes are considered to be salt hyperaccumulators, adopting ion extrusion and inclusion mechanisms. Such plants, with high aboveground biomass, may play crucial roles in saline habitats, including soil desalination and phytoremediation of polluted soils and waters. These plants cause significant changes in some of the soil’s physical and chemical properties; and have proven efficient in removing heavy metals and metabolizing organic compounds from oil and gas activities. Halophytes in Qatar, such as Halopeplis perfoliata, Salicornia europaea, Salsola soda, and Tetraena qatarensis, are shown here to play significant roles in the phytoremediation of polluted soils and waters. Microorganisms associated with these halophytes (such as endophytic bacteria) might boost these plants to remediate saline and polluted soils. A significant number of these bacteria, such as Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp., are reported here to play important roles in many sectors of life. We explore the mechanisms adopted by the endophytic bacteria to promote and support these halophytes in the desalination of saline soils and phytoremediation of polluted soils. The possible roles played by endophytes in different parts of native plants are given to elucidate the mechanisms of cooperation between these native plants and the associated microorganisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives)
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28 pages, 1677 KiB  
Review
Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals: An Indispensable Contrivance in Green Remediation Technology
by Sabreena, Shahnawaz Hassan, Sartaj Ahmad Bhat, Vineet Kumar, Bashir Ahmad Ganai and Fuad Ameen
Plants 2022, 11(9), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091255 - 06 May 2022
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 7759
Abstract
Environmental contamination is triggered by various anthropogenic activities, such as using pesticides, toxic chemicals, industrial effluents, and metals. Pollution not only affects both lotic and lentic environments but also terrestrial habitats, substantially endangering plants, animals, and human wellbeing. The traditional techniques used to [...] Read more.
Environmental contamination is triggered by various anthropogenic activities, such as using pesticides, toxic chemicals, industrial effluents, and metals. Pollution not only affects both lotic and lentic environments but also terrestrial habitats, substantially endangering plants, animals, and human wellbeing. The traditional techniques used to eradicate the pollutants from soil and water are considered expensive, environmentally harmful and, typically, inefficacious. Thus, to abate the detrimental consequences of heavy metals, phytoremediation is one of the sustainable options for pollution remediation. The process involved is simple, effective, and economically efficient with large-scale extensive applicability. This green technology and its byproducts have several other essential utilities. Phytoremediation, in principle, utilizes solar energy and has an extraordinary perspective for abating and assembling heavy metals. The technique of phytoremediation has developed in contemporary times as an efficient method and its success depends on plant species selection. Here in this synthesis, we are presenting a scoping review of phytoremediation, its basic principles, techniques, and potential anticipated prospects. Furthermore, a detailed overview pertaining to biochemical aspects, progression of genetic engineering, and the exertion of macrophytes in phytoremediation has been provided. Such a promising technique is economically effective as well as eco-friendly, decontaminating and remediating the pollutants from the biosphere. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives)
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22 pages, 384 KiB  
Review
Increase in Phytoextraction Potential by Genome Editing and Transformation: A Review
by Javiera Venegas-Rioseco, Rosanna Ginocchio and Claudia Ortiz-Calderón
Plants 2022, 11(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11010086 - 28 Dec 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2355
Abstract
Soil metal contamination associated with productive activities is a global issue. Metals are not biodegradable and tend to accumulate in soils, posing potential risks to surrounding ecosystems and human health. Plant-based techniques (phytotechnologies) for the in situ remediation of metal-polluted soils have been [...] Read more.
Soil metal contamination associated with productive activities is a global issue. Metals are not biodegradable and tend to accumulate in soils, posing potential risks to surrounding ecosystems and human health. Plant-based techniques (phytotechnologies) for the in situ remediation of metal-polluted soils have been developed, but these have some limitations. Phytotechnologies are a group of technologies that take advantage of the ability of certain plants to remediate soil, water, and air resources to rehabilitate ecosystem services in managed landscapes. Regarding soil metal pollution, the main objectives are in situ stabilization (phytostabilization) and the removal of contaminants (phytoextraction). Genetic engineering strategies such as gene editing, stacking genes, and transformation, among others, may improve the phytoextraction potential of plants by enhancing their ability to accumulate and tolerate metals and metalloids. This review discusses proven strategies to enhance phytoextraction efficiency and future perspectives on phytotechnologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives)
36 pages, 11289 KiB  
Review
Potential Application of Algae in Biodegradation of Phenol: A Review and Bibliometric Study
by Syahirah Batrisyia Mohamed Radziff, Siti Aqlima Ahmad, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin, Faradina Merican, Yih-Yih Kok, Azham Zulkharnain, Claudio Gomez-Fuentes and Chiew-Yen Wong
Plants 2021, 10(12), 2677; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122677 - 06 Dec 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4483
Abstract
One of the most severe environmental issues affecting the sustainable growth of human society is water pollution. Phenolic compounds are toxic, hazardous and carcinogenic to humans and animals even at low concentrations. Thus, it is compulsory to remove the compounds from polluted wastewater [...] Read more.
One of the most severe environmental issues affecting the sustainable growth of human society is water pollution. Phenolic compounds are toxic, hazardous and carcinogenic to humans and animals even at low concentrations. Thus, it is compulsory to remove the compounds from polluted wastewater before being discharged into the ecosystem. Biotechnology has been coping with environmental problems using a broad spectrum of microorganisms and biocatalysts to establish innovative techniques for biodegradation. Biological treatment is preferable as it is cost-effective in removing organic pollutants, including phenol. The advantages and the enzymes involved in the metabolic degradation of phenol render the efficiency of microalgae in the degradation process. The focus of this review is to explore the trends in publication (within the year of 2000–2020) through bibliometric analysis and the mechanisms involved in algae phenol degradation. Current studies and publications on the use of algae in bioremediation have been observed to expand due to environmental problems and the versatility of microalgae. VOSviewer and SciMAT software were used in this review to further analyse the links and interaction of the selected keywords. It was noted that publication is advancing, with China, Spain and the United States dominating the studies with total publications of 36, 28 and 22, respectively. Hence, this review will provide an insight into the trends and potential use of algae in degradation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoremediation: New Approaches and Perspectives)
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