Potential of Brassicaceae Burnett (Mustard family; Angiosperms) in Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals

Abstract

Phytoremediation technology is using plants to clean up contaminated sites is a promising loom to restore the environment and ecosystem. Pollution of the environment with toxic organic and heavy metal pollutants is one of major problem facing developed and developing nations today. Heavy metals restrain biodegradation of chlorinated organics by interacting with enzymes directly concerned in biodegradation or those involved in common metabolism. Prophecy of heavy metal toxicity effects on organic pollutant biodegradation in co-contaminated soil is tricky since heavy metals may be present in a variety of chemical and physical forms. Even if much remains to be studied, phytoremediation will clearly play some role in the stabilization and remediation of many contaminated sites. The main factor driving the execution of phytoremediation projects are low costs with considerable improvements in site aesthetics and the potential for ecosystem restoration. In this review, the potential and various aspects of few Brassicaceae (Mustard family) members in phytoremediation have been discussed due to their well known natural tolerant against various environmental stresses including heavy metals.