Agromining: Agroremediation for Heavy Metal Contaminated Ecosystems: A Review

Abstract

Heavy metals can be extracted from the earth using hyperaccumulator plants. These plants can grow in soil with high concentrations of metals and concentrate trace elements in their biomass. Agromining is a branch of phytoremediation that aims to remove toxic metals from polluted ecosystems. The plants can be used to produce valuable metals such as Ni and Zn. The potential of agromining can be enhanced by improving biomass yield through agronomic practices. The phenological stage of the crop at harvest influences metal concentration in the tissues. Inoculation with microorganisms especially Arthrobacter sp. strain LA44 improved the metal yield in Alyssum murale. Observed high Ni yield in Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi and Rinorea bengalensis by the application of major nutrients. Agromining is still at an early stage of development. Even then, it created a new era in the recovery of metals from natural resources. Hyperaccumulator plants changed their recognition from a botanical curiosity to tangible socio-economic and environmental applications. However, rigorous and dedicated research is required for its wide utilization and to improve quantitative and qualitative performance.