Bioaccumulation for heavy metal removal: a review

Nnabueze Darlington Nnaji, Helen Onyeaka*, Taghi Miri, Chinenye Ugwa

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

This paper reviews plants and microorganisms removal of heavy metals from contaminated sites through bioaccumulation. Increased industrial activities have led to the uncontrolled release of metals into the environment, resulting in a global increase in metal pollution. Heavy metals are also consumed from the surface of glasses over a prolonged period of use. Heavy metal pollution is a serious problem that can have wide-ranging and long-lasting impacts on human health and the environment. Therefore, effective removal and remediation of heavy metal pollution are crucial to protect human and ecological health. Traditional methods of heavy metal removal, such as chemical treatment and physical removal, can be costly and can also have negative impacts on the environment. The utilization of plants and microorganisms for bioremediation of metal-polluted environments has proven effective for removing metals through accumulation and/or detoxification. This method is effective, economical, versatile, and environmentally friendly. Bioaccumulation utilizes plants and microorganisms to absorb and remove heavy metals from contaminated sites. This method is not only cost-effective but also helps to minimize the environmental impact of heavy metal pollution. Additionally, bioaccumulation can be used in combination with other techniques, such as phytostabilization and phytodegradation, to further improve the efficiency of heavy metal removal. The paper also discusses the use of plants and microorganisms in the removal of heavy metals from water and soil through biomagnification and bioconcentration. Techniques such as phytoaccumulation, phytostimulation, phytodegradation, phytovolatilization, phytostabilization, and phytofiltration are also discussed as effective ways of remediation of heavy metal contaminated sites.
Original languageEnglish
Article number125
JournalSN Applied Sciences
Volume5
Issue number5
Early online date2 Apr 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2023

Keywords

  • Heavy metals
  • Bioremediation
  • Bioaccumulation
  • Microorganisms
  • Plants
  • Phytoaccumulation
  • Review Paper

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