Nanoparticle assisted phytoremediation: An eco-friendly approach for removal of heavy metals from the environment

The surge in environmental pollution in recent years driven by numerous pollutants has necessitated the search for efficient removal methods. Phytoremediation is an eco-friendly technique that provides multiple benefits over conventional methods of removing contaminants. Despite the numerous benefits of this technique, it has certain limitations that can be addressed by incorporating nanoparticles to improve its effectiveness. This review paper aims to explore the impact of heavy metal pollution on plants and human health. It highlights the role and mechanism of nanoparticles in enhancing phytoremediation, their application in the detection of heavy metals, and the strategies for the safe disposal of phytoremediation biomass. Biosynthesized nanoparticles are eco-friendly and non-toxic, with applications in biomedical and environmental fields. Nanoparticles can be used in the form of nano biosensors like smartphone-operated wireless sensors made from Cinnamomum camphora, enabling efficient detection of heavy metal ions. According to the studies, nanoparticles remove 80 %–97 % of heavy metals by various methods like reduction, precipitation, adsorption, etc. The phytoremediation biomass disposal can be done by heat treatment, phytomining, and microbial treatment with some modifications to further enhance their results. Phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly technique but requires further research and integration with biomass energy production to overcome scalability challenges and ensure safe biomass disposal.