An Overview of the Valorization of Aquatic Plants in Effluent Depuration through Phytoremediation Processes

Abstract

Environmental biotechnologies are a popular choice for using efficient, low-cost, low-waste, and environmentally friendly methods to clean up and restore polluted sites. In these technologies, plants (terrestrial and aquatic) and their associated micro-organisms are used to eliminate pollutants that threaten the health of humans and animals. They have emerged as alternative methods to conventional techniques that have become increasingly aggressive to the environment. Currently, all actors of the environment, whether governors, industrialists, or citizen associations are more interested in the application and development of these technologies. The present overview provides available information about recent developments in phytoremediation processes using specifically aquatic plants. The main goal is to highlight the key role of this technology in combating the drastic organic and inorganic pollution that threatens our planet daily. Furthermore, this study presents the valorization of aquatic plant after phytoremediation process in energy. In particular, this article tries to identify gaps that are necessary to propose future developments and prospects that could guarantee sustainable development aspired by all generations.