Navigating the chromium conundrum: a review of heavy metal stress and bioremediation strategies

Abstract

AbstractChromium contamination in soil, primarily originating from anthropogenic activities has always been a significant threat to plant and ecosystem health. Key factors influencing Cr-induced stress responses including oxidative stress, altered nutrient uptake and disruption of cellular processes are elucidated. The alterations in the signalling pathways & molecular reactions due to Chromium stress, leads to an abnormal production of certain harmful compounds like ROS and other secondary metabolites in the plant cells. These compounds must either be removed or detoxified for the plant to function normally and survive. This review provides an overview of the different signalling pathways, role of genes and proteins, hormesis effect of Cr, alterations in enzymatic activities and the physiological response of the plants. The role of biochar & microbes in bioremediation, hyper-accumulator plants in phytoremediation emerges as a natural yet effective solution in detoxifying the pollutants. The impacts and potential mitigation strategies to minimize and restore the contamination caused in the ecosystem is emphasized. This review provides valuable insights into the multifaceted interactions between plants and Cr stress. It also focuses on mitigating it by bioremediation mechanisms for sustainable environmental management.