Assessing phytoremediation strategies for gold mine tailings: a bibliometric and systemic review

• Published in: Environmental geochemistry and health 2025, Vol.47 (1), p.12
• Main Authors: Putra, Bela, Surachman, M., Darmawan, I. W. A., Fanindi, Achmad, Sawen, Diana, Dianita, Rahmi, Praptiwi, Irine Ike, Sawo, Kostafina, Hambakodu, Marselinus, Hariadi, Bambang Tj, Koten, Bernadete B., Akhadiarto, S., Bahar, Syamsu, Sirait, Juniar, Nulik, Jacob, Simanihuruk, Kiston, Gopar, Ruslan A., Suharlina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquatic plants; Bibliometrics; Biodegradation, Environmental; Bioremediation; Clean technology; Correspondence; Earth and Environmental Science; Effectiveness; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Health; Environmental impact; Environmental management; Floating plants; Freshwater plants; Genetic engineering; Geochemistry; Gold; Growth rate; Heavy metals; Industrial Waste; Metals, Heavy - metabolism; Microorganisms; Mine tailings; Mine wastes; Mines; Mining; Phytoremediation; Plant layout; Plant species; Plants - metabolism; Public Health; Reviews; Soil Pollutants - metabolism; Soil remediation; Soil Science & Conservation; Soil stabilization; Soil water; Stabilization; Tailings; Terrestrial Pollution; Water hyacinths
• ISSN: 0269-4042; 1573-2983; 1573-2983
• DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02317-4

This study evaluates the effectiveness of phytoremediation strategies in mitigating the environmental impacts of gold mine tailings through a bibliometric and systematic review. Utilizing the PRISMA methodology, 45 primary research articles were selected and analyzed, highlighting key rends and insights in phytoremediation research. The review spans over two decades of research, with a notable annual growth rate of 2.81% and significant contributions from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Africa. Key findings emphasize the variability in phytoremediation success based on plant species, site conditions, and remediation techniques. Prominent plants identified include vetiver grass, Siam weed, and water hyacinth, which demonstrate significant potential in heavy metal uptake and soil stabilization. The study also underscores the importance of optimizing plant–microbe interactions and employing site-specific approaches to enhance remediation efficiency. Future research opportunities are identified, focusing on genetic engineering of plants, field trials, and integration of advanced monitoring technologies. Overall, this comprehensive review highlights the promising potential of phytoremediation as a sustainable and effective strategy for managing gold mine tailings, advocating for continued research and policy support to advance this green technology in environmental management.