Uptake of Heavy Metals by Trees: Prospects for Phytoremediation

Abstract

It is known that heavy metals are taken up and translocated by plants to different degrees. Phytoremediation, the use of plants to decontaminate soil by taking up heavy metals, shows considerable promise as a low-cost technique and has received much attention in recent years. However, its application is still very limited due to low biomass of hyperaccumulators, unavailability of the suitable plant species and long growing seasons required. Therefore, to maximize phytoextraction efficiency, it is important to select a fast-growing and high-biomass plant with high uptake of heavy metals, which is also compatible with mechanized cultivation techniques and local weather conditions. Trees in particular have a number of attributes (e.g. high biomass, economic value), which make them attractive plants for such a use. This paper reviews the potential for the phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated land by trees. In summary, we present the research progress of phytoremediation by trees and suggest ways in which this concept can be applied and improved.