Sustainability of phytoremediation: Post-harvest stratagems and economic opportunities for the produced metals contaminated biomass

• Published in: Journal of environmental management 2023-01, Vol.326, p.116700-116700, Article 116700
• Main Authors: Khan, Aqib Hassan Ali, Kiyani, Amna, Santiago-Herrera, Mario, Ibáñez, Jesús, Yousaf, Sohail, Iqbal, Mazhar, Martel-Martín, Sonia, Barros, Rocío
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Contaminated biomass; Heavy metals; Life cycle assessment; Metal recovery; Phytoremediation; Postharvest management
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116700

Heavy metals (HMs) are indestructible and non-biodegradable. Phytoremediation presents an opportunity to transfer HMs from environmental matrices into plants, making it easy to translocate from one place to another. The ornate features of HMs' phytoremediation are biophilia and carbon neutrality, compared to the physical and chemical remediation methods. Some recent studies related to LCA also support that phytoremediation is technically more sustainable than competing technologies. However, one major post-application challenge associated with HMs phytoremediation is properly managing HMs contaminated biomass generated. Such a yield presents the problem of reintroducing HMs into the environment due to natural decomposition and release of plant sap from the harvested biomass. The transportation of high yields can also make phytoremediation economically inviable. This review presents the design of a sustainable phytoremediation strategy using an ever-evolving life cycle assessment tool. This review also discusses possible post-phytoremediation biomass management strategies for the HMs contaminated biomass management. These strategies include composting, leachate compaction, gasification, pyrolysis, torrefaction, and metal recovery. Further, the commercial outlook for properly utilizing HMs contaminated biomass was presented. [Display omitted] •Strict regulations can be applied to contaminated biomass phytoremediation.•Improper disposal of polluted biomass reduces phytoremediation biophilic appeal.•Economic advantages are attainable for HMs contaminated biomass management.•Heavy metals contaminated biomass can be used to produce for value added products.•Life cycle assessment can assist as a decision tool for HMs phytoremediation.