Morphological, physiological, and anatomical effects of heavy metals on soil and plant health and possible remediation technologies

Abstract

Soil is an indispensable entity for agriculture, and its health is essential to ensure phenomenal and sustainable agricultural practices. However, the increasing need for food security and the growth of industrial urbanization have led to soil pollution posing a significant threat to soil health, the environment, and public health. This study investigates the effects of heavy metals on plant anatomy, physiology, and morphology, focusing on how these metals displace essential nutrient uptake. Despite considerable research on soil contamination, gaps remain in understanding the mechanisms involved in heavy metals influencing plant health and the soil properties that govern their transformation, transport, and bioavailability. This study addresses these gaps by examining the impacts and mechanisms of heavy metal contamination on plant growth and identifying soil conditions that can mitigate contamination risks and remediation mechanisms. Through a comprehensive analysis, this study finds that heavy metals displace essential metal ions, inhibiting enzyme activity and disrupting critical processes. High concentrations of heavy metals produce free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant cells. This results in uncontrolled oxidation and the initiation of chain reactions with cellular biomolecules, causing oxidative stress and cellular damage. Additionally, this study highlights phytoremediation, bioremediation, and biochar as potential frameworks for remediating heavy metals contamination in agricultural soils. It proposes recommendations for future research to understand the synergistic effects of combining phytoremediation, bioremediation, and biochar which could lead to comprehensive soil remediation frameworks that are both economically feasible and environmentally friendly.