Climate-resilient wastewater phytoremediation for pollutant removal and resource recovery

This review critically emphasizes the potential of phytoremediation for the removal of pollutants from wastewater and underscores the worth of plant biomass for resource recovery after phytoremediation. The mechanisms of phytoremediation have been discussed, and applications of plant and associated microbial diversity have been summarized. The phytoremediation modules and plant diversity used in constructed wetlands have been discussed, and the prospects of utilizing plants for recovery of valuable products, biomass, and energy have been explored.</p> <p>This review proposes to consider phytoremediation as an element linking pollution removal and resource recovery with the paradigm of a climate-resilient circular bioeconomy.

Beyond discussing the foundational mechanisms—such as phytoextraction, rhizofiltration, and phytovolatilization and phytotransformation, this article investigates the synergistic role of rhizospheric microbes in enhancing pollutant degradation. A critical analysis is provided on the selection criteria of plants suitable for phytoremediation based on their biomass production, stress-tolerance and pollutant accumulation capacity giving insights into their utility in constructed wetlands.

The review article also emphasizes the valorization of post-phytoremediation biomass by exploring phytomining for precious metals and the conversion of contaminated plant biomass into biochar, biofuels, and biocomposites, addressing the issue of ‘secondary pollution’ arising from its disposal. dilemma that often hinders phytoremediation adoption.</p>