Ghulam Zahra Jahangir1*, Hassan Rafique1, Shahnila Qureshi1,
Munazzah Malik1, Jumana Rashid1, Sana Fatima1
1Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of
the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
*For Correspondence
zahra.camb@pu.edu.pk
The intensification of
anthropogenic activities, driven by the growing global population and the need
to meet modern demands for food and goods, has led to the release of various
contaminants into the environment. These contaminants, ranging from organic and
inorganic chemicals to aerosols and heavy metals, pose significant
environmental and health risks as they accumulate in the surroundings. In
response to these challenges, various approaches and techniques are being
explored to ensure environmental sustainability. One such approach is
phytoremediation, which leverages the natural processes of plants to remediate
pollutants. This article explores the literature on phytoremediation, detailing
its mechanisms and applications in addressing different types of pollutants.
Phytoremediation processes can be further enhanced through the use of symbiotic
microorganisms and the introduction of genes responsible for proteins and
enzymes that facilitate the uptake and detoxification of contaminants. Drawing
on contemporary literature, this article examines the diverse processes of
phytoremediation and its effectiveness in remedying soil and air pollution
using both natural and transgenic plant species.
Keywords
Phytoremediation, Transgenic Plants, Soil Pollutants, Heavy Metals, Air Pollutants
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