Phytoremediation of contaminated soils by heavy metals and PAHs. A brief review

Acute and diffuse contamination of soil by organic and inorganic pollutants causes wide concerns and intentional or accidental introduction of these substances poses serious impact in public health and environment. Heavy metals are elements not degradable and can be teratogenic, mutagenic, endocrine disruptors. PAHs are elements of difficult management and they can cause carcinogenesis and toxicity in human. Different techniques have been used for the remediation of contaminated soils, but the phytoremediation is proposed as possible alternative, convenient and environmentally friendly than traditional physicochemical techniques. Phytoremediation employs different plant species able to accumulate or degrade different contaminants and, the biomass produced can be used for other purposes such as cogeneration of energy and/or biofuels production, obtaining benefits to health, environment and cost management. A better knowledge of phytoremediation potential is essential in order to increase the use of this technique in the near future for remediation of contaminated lands in the economic and sustainable way. This review provides additional information about the application of phytoremediation processes in soils contaminated by heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using herbaceous and woody plants.