Author

Arti Manhas1, Noopur Sharma1 and Shveta Saroop2*

Abstract

Rapid globalization, industrialization, urbanization and land use changes have led to the Heavy Metal crisis. Heavy metals (HMs) by virtue of strong resistance to chemical or microbial degradation persist in the ecosystem for longer periods which deteriorates the overall function of any soil/aquatic ecosystem. HMs possess mutagenic, carcinogenic, genotoxic, and teratogenic potential even at low concentration. Invading the biotic and abiotic extremities and their interactions the accumulation of heavy metals is surpassing the maximum threshold level thereby altering the pedo-microbiological equilibrium, soil fertility, food chain and trophic structure and functioning. The removal of HMs from contaminated environments is thus crucial to rehabilitate nature and its balance. To cope with the same, phytoremediation being green in its approach has emerged as an eco-sustainable, economical way out. Further phytoremediation via weed species can serve as a most preferred alternative as compared to other groups of plant species. By virtue of stronger growth traits like annual life cycle, rapid growth rate, enviro-ecological traits of interest like mixed mating system, high reproductive efficiency in terms of seed banks and survival strategies, stress tolerant nature, invasiveness and many more, weeds serve as preferred candidate for phytoremediation. In light of this, present communication/review provides insight into the potential of weed species in HMs mitigation process.

Pages:303-313

Doi Number 10.61289/jibs2026.08.25.0154

Keywords Phytoremediation, Heavy metals, Weeds, Detoxification, Sustanibility