Nanophytoremediation: advancing phytoremediation efficiency through nanotechnology integration
Marcelo Pedrosa Gomes
Abstract
Nanophytoremediation, integrating nanotechnology into phytoremediation, is emerging as a promising approach for addressing environmental contamination. While sustainable and cost-effective, traditional phytoremediation faces limitations such as slow remediation rates, contaminant bioavailability issues, and plant toxicity under high contaminant loads. This review explores how nanotechnology can overcome these challenges by leveraging the unique properties of nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance phytoremediation efficiency. NPs such as metal oxides, carbon-based, and magnetic NPs improve contaminant uptake, promote plant resilience, and accelerate degradation processes. Furthermore, smart and functionalized NPs offer precise pollutant targeting and controlled release of growth-promoting substances, optimizing plant growth and remediation potential. The review highlights the synergies between NPs and phytoremediation, focusing on pollutant bioavailability, plant stress tolerance, and enhanced degradation mechanisms. The potential for green synthesis and biodegradable NPs also underscores the sustainability of this approach. However, concerns about NP persistence, ecological risks, and human health impacts necessitate further research and regulatory oversight. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current advancements in nanophytoremediation, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring and safety protocols. The novelty of this review lies in its systematic examination of the role of NPs in overcoming the critical limitations of phytoremediation, offering insights into future applications and the potential to revolutionize environmental cleanup efforts.