Natural, low-cost adsorbents for toxic Pb(II) ion sequestration from (waste)water: A state-of-the-art review

Biogeochemical dynamics and sustainable remediation of mercury in West African water systems

Pollution of environmental drinking water sources by mercury (Hg) in West Africa is challenging, with the need to develop strategies to understand its biogeochemical transformation and mitigation to provide clean drinking water void of Hg. This review evaluated the biogeochemical cycle of Hg in West African ecology and the mitigation of Hg contamination of drinking water sources in the West African region. The study revealed Hg-bearing mineral deposits and artisanal and small-scale gold mining as major sources of Hg in West African environment. West African countries must develop sustainable methods for removing Hg from water. However, bioremediation (including microbial and phytoremediation) and adsorption are promising methods for purifying Hg-contaminated environmental drinking water sources in West Africa. Microorganisms such as Arbuscular mycorrhizal, E. coli, Fusobacterium sp, Trichoderma viride, Gliocladium arborescens, Bascillus sp. and Brevibacterium cysticus have demonstrated the capacity to remediate Hg from the water system. Furthermore, plant species like Paspalum conjugatum, Cyperus kyllingia, and Lindernia crustacea revealed exciting capacity as phytoremediators of Hg. Activated carbon, clay and mineral clays are abundant resources in West Africa that can function as adsorbents for removing Hg during water treatment. However, future studies should focus on optimizing the field-scale application of bioremediation and adsorption methods as mitigation strategies and their long-term benefits in West Africa. It is essential that the government in West Africa fund initiatives and programmes that support the accomplishment of the Minamata Convention agreement, which favours the attainment of the sustainable development goal (SDG-6).

Mercury (II) adsorption process from an aqueous solution through activated carbon blended with fresh pistachio green shell powder

In this research, fresh pistachio green shell as an agricultural waste was blended with activated carbon to study the adsorption process of mercury (II) from several aqueous solutions with various concentrations. Central Composite Design under Response Surface Methodology was statistically used to consider the independent variables involving pH, contact time, fresh pistachio green shell powder dosage, initial concentration of mercury (II) and activated carbon dosage effects on the mercury (II) removal. pH of 6.13, initial mercury (II) concentration of 36.68 g/l, fresh pistachio shell powder dosage of 9.21 g/l, activated carbon dosage of 7.25 g/l as an optimal operating conditions for 99.25% of mercury (II) removal was experimentally found. The adsorption kinetic models such as the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion were examined. The pseudo-second-order model (with R2 ≈ 1) could properly investigate the adsorption process kinetics. The adsorption isothermal behavior was considered using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models. Langmuir isotherm model showed the best results demonstrating the blended adsorbent homogeneous surface. The activation energy for the adsorption process was obtained at 2.158 kJ/mol. Several morphological tests (such as SEM, XRD, FTIR and EDX) were done to investigate the porosity and surface area of adsorbent although interaction of surface functional groups and synergistic effects can also be considered by these tests. The fresh pistachio green shell powder blended with activated carbon could physically adsorb (physisorption process) mercury (II) from an aqueous wastewater.

Dual application of lotus stem in fabricating a bioreactor for the remediation of nitrate, plumbum, and carbamazepine in industrial wastewater

Addressing the treatment of complex industrial wastewater continues to be a substantial challenge within the realm of water treatment. A biofilm reactor was engineered, integrating lotus stem biochar, lotus stem biological filler, and the ZW5 strain for enhanced wastewater treatment. The removal efficiencies of nitrate (NO3--N), calcium (Ca2+), chemical oxygen demand (COD), phosphorus (PO43--P), plumbum (Pb2+), and carbamazepine (CBZ) were 98.46, 81.08, 91.79, 96.63, 97.75, and 99.26% when HRT was 3 h, pH was 7.0, Pb2+, CBZ, and influent salinity contents were 15.0, 3.0, and 1500 mg L-1. The reactor effectively fixed the microorganisms and provided a good microenvironment and niche, which was conducive to the adsorption of Pb2+ and CBZ by microorganisms and biominerals. Furthermore, the modified biochar in the reactor filler facilitated microbial metabolism and enabled indirect electron transfer. Microorganisms altered their dominant community structure in response to Pb2+ and CBZ exposure. Microorganisms maintained efficient activity through synergy and direct electron transfer through nanowires. The reactor serves as a model for pollutant removal from complex industrial wastewater, leveraging the multifaceted use of lotus stems and microbial-induced calcium precipitation.

Highly selective and efficient Pb2+ capture using PO4-loaded 3D-NiFe layer double hydroxides derived from MIL-88A

Lead (Pb) contamination in water requires improved decontamination technologies. The addition of phosphate to precipitate Pb2+ is a widely used method for remediating Pb in soil and water, though it has certain limitations. This study focuses on novel 3D mesoporous layered double hydroxide (LDH) sorbents functionalized with phosphate anions for Pb2+ removal from contaminated waters. Our innovative strategy involves converting a sacrificial template metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) structure (MIL-88A(Fe)) into NixFe LDH, followed by an anion exchange reaction with phosphate anions. This process preserves the 3D microrod architecture of MIL-88A and prevents deleterious LDH particle aggregation. The synthesis results in stable microrod crystals, 1-2 μm long, composed of 3D assemblies of NixFe-PO4 LDH nanoplatelets with a specific surface area exceeding 110 m2/g. The novel LDH materials display fast adsorption kinetics (pseudo-second order model) and remarkably high Pb2+ removal performances (Langmuir isotherm model) with a capacity of 538 mg/g, surpassing other reported adsorbents. LDH-PO4 exhibits high selectivity for Pb2+ over competing ions like Ni2+ and Cd2+ (selectivity order is: Pb2+ > Ni2+ > Cd2+). Removal of Pb2+ from NixFeLDH/88A-PO4 involves various mechanisms, including surface complexation and surface precipitation of lead phosphate or lead hydroxide phases as revealed by structural characterization techniques.

Selective Adsorption Behavior of Sulfuric Acid Oxidized and Doped Conjugated Microporous Poly(aniline)s toward Lead Ions in an Aqueous Environment

The coexistence of lead, zinc, and copper ions in wastewater constitutes an environmental challenge of pressing concern. This research delves into the preparation of innovative oxidation-doped conjugated microporous poly(aniline) frameworks, exploring their prospective efficacy in regulating lead ion adsorption from aqueous solutions. H2SO4-CMPTA demonstrates the capability to reach adsorption equilibrium within 15 min at a lead concentration of 50 ppm. Even at a lead concentration of 20 ppm, it still efficaciously attenuates these levels to sub-10 ppb, a value surpassing extant standard. H2SO4-CMPTA retains over 78.8% adsorption efficiency after six cycles. Analytical characterization coupled with computational calculations suggests that sulfate-coordinated nitrogen cationic structure plays a crucial role in adsorption. A deeper investigation reveals the cardinal role of electrostatic attraction and exclusive chelation adsorption underpinning the efficient capture of lead ions by doped sulfate ions. Intriguingly, in a mixed heavy metal solution containing lead, zinc, and copper ions, H2SO4-CMPTA exhibits an initial predilection toward zinc ions, yet an eventual ion-exchange adsorption gravitating toward lead ions was discerned, governed by the latter's superior binding energy. Our study elucidates a promising material as an efficacious tool for the remediation of aquatic environments tainted with lead contaminants.

Biopolymeric Nanocomposites for Wastewater Remediation: An Overview on Recent Progress and Challenges

Essential for human development, water is increasingly polluted by diverse anthropogenic activities, containing contaminants like organic dyes, acids, antibiotics, inorganic salts, and heavy metals. Conventional methods fall short, prompting the exploration of advanced, cost-effective remediation. Recent research focuses on sustainable adsorption, with nano-modifications enhancing adsorbent efficacy against persistent waterborne pollutants. This review delves into recent advancements (2020-2023) in sustainable biopolymeric nanocomposites, spotlighting the applications of biopolymers like chitosan in wastewater remediation, particularly as adsorbents and filtration membranes along with their mechanism. The advantages and drawbacks of various biopolymers have also been discussed along with their modification in synthesizing biopolymeric nanocomposites by combining the benefits of biodegradable polymers and nanomaterials for enhanced physiochemical and mechanical properties for their application in wastewater treatment. The important functions of biopolymeric nanocomposites by adsorbing, removing, and selectively targeting contaminants, contributing to the purification and sustainable management of water resources, have also been elaborated on. Furthermore, it outlines the reusability and current challenges for the further exploration of biopolymers in this burgeoning field for environmental applications.

Removal of Toxic Lead from Wastewater by Lupinus albus Seed Hull

In this work, we address two concerns at once: waste reduction and the development of a lead removal adsorbent. The potential of Lupinus albus seed hull (LSH) powder as an efficient, innovative, and economical adsorbent for Pb(II) absorption was examined in this study. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy investigations were used to determine the structural and morphological properties of the LSH adsorbent. The adsorption process was studied in batch mode with multiple process variables (adsorbent dosage of 4.0-20 g/L; solution pH of 1.5-5.5; contact time of 15-70 min). By fitting the equilibrium data to the Langmuir isotherm model, the maximum adsorption capacity of Pb(II) was 357.14 mg/g at optimized pH (5.5), LSH dose (0.4 g), and interaction time (60 min) with starting Pb(II) concentration of 50 mg L-1. As for the reaction kinetics, the pseudo-second-order model was shown to be a convenient match. LSH can be reused after four desorption/adsorption cycles and has a high potential for eliminating Pb(II) from wastewater.

Kinetics and modeling of Pb (II) adsorption in pellet biochar based on micro-computed tomography characterization

Biochar, a cost-effective adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions, has gained increasing attention. In this study, an advanced micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) system was used to investigate the adsorption kinetics by direct localization and visualization of Pb (II) on wheat straw pellet biochar. The normalized digital images indicating the dynamic changes of Pb (II) adsorption on biochar samples at different initial Pb (II) concentrations of 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/L and adsorption times were obtained. It was found that image grayscale (GS) changes over adsorption time (t) followed the power function, GSe/GSt=2.45∗t-0.27. Based on this finding, modified pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) models incorporated with time-dependent kinetic constants kPFOt=KPFO∗GSe/GSt and kPSOt=KPSO∗GSe/GSt were proposed, resulting in a better interpretation of the adsorption mechanism. The micro-CT-guided novel approach demonstrated visual evidence-based superiority and should prove valuable to the existing body of research in related fields.

Use of different food wastes as green biosorbent: isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies of Pb2

Lead (Pb2+) can contaminate waters from many sources, especially industrial activities. This heavy metal is an amphoteric, toxic, endocrine-disrupting, bioaccumulative, and carcinogenic pollutant. One of the effective and economical processes used to remove lead from water is adsorption. The fact that the adsorbents used in this method are easily available and will contribute to waste minimization is the primary reason for preference. In this study, the adsorption abilities and surface properties of tea waste (TW), banana peels (BP), almond shells (AS), and eggshells (ES) which are easily available do not need modification and have very high (> 90%) removal efficiencies presented with isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic perspectives as detail. The surface structures and elemental distribution of raw adsorbents were revealed with SEM/EDX. Using FTIR analysis, carboxylic (-COOH) and hydroxyl groups (-OH) in the structure of TW, AS, BP, and ES were determined. It was determined that the Pb2+ adsorption kinetics conformed to the pseudo-quadratic model and its isotherm conformed to the Langmuir. The optimum adsorption of Pb2+ was ranked as BP > ES > AS > TW with 100, 68.6, 51.7, and 47.8 mg/g qm, respectively. The fact that the process has negative ΔG° and positive ΔH° values from a thermodynamic point of view indicates that it occurs spontaneously and endothermically. According to the experimental data, the possible adsorption mechanism for Pb2+ has occurred in the form of physisorption (van der Waals, electrostatic attraction) and cooperative adsorption including chemisorption (complexation, ion exchange) processes.

Strategies for microbial bioremediation of environmental pollutants from industrial wastewater: A sustainable approach

Heavy metals are hazardous and bring about critical exposure risks to humans and animals, even at low concentrations. An assortment of approaches has been attempted to remove the water contaminants and keep up with water quality, for that microbial bioremediation is a promising way to mitigate these pollutants from the contaminated water. The flexibility of microorganisms to eliminate a toxic pollutant creates bioremediation an innovation that can be applied in various water and soil conditions. This review insight into the sources, occurrence of toxic heavy metals, and their hazardous human exposure risk. In this review, significant attention to microbial bioremediation for pollutant mitigation from various ecological lattices has been addressed. Mechanism of microbial bioremediation in the aspect of factors affecting, the role of microbes and interaction between the microbes and pollutants are the focal topics of this review. In addition, emerging strategies and technologies developed in the field of genetically engineered micro-organism and micro-organism-aided nanotechnology has shown up as powerful bioremediation tool with critical possibilities to eliminate water pollutants.

Modification of sugarcane bagasse with iron(III) oxide-hydroxide to improve its adsorption property for removing lead(II) ions

Lead contamination in wastewater results in toxicity of aquatic life and water quality, it is recommended to remove lead before discharging. Four sugarcane bagasse adsorbent materials of sugarcane bagasse powder (SB), sugarcane bagasse powder doped iron(III) oxide-hydroxide (SBF), sugarcane bagasse powder beads (SBB), and sugarcane bagasse powder doped iron(III) oxide-hydroxide beads (SBFB) were synthesized and characterized with various techniques. Their lead removal efficiencies were investigated by batch experiments on the effects of dose (0.1-0.6 g), contact time (1-6 h), pH (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11), and concentration (5-30 mg/L), adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and desorption experiments. All materials were amorphous phases presenting specific peaks of cellulose. SBB and SBFB detected sodium alginate peaks, and iron(III) oxide-hydroxide peaks were detected in SBF and SBFB. SB and SBF were scales or overlapping plate surfaces whereas SBB and SBFB had spherical shapes with coarse surfaces. The main functional groups of O-H, C=O, C-H, C-O, and C=C were observed in all materials, whereas Fe-O and -COOH were only found in materials with adding iron(III) oxide-hydroxide or bead material. The point of zero charges (pH_pzc) of all materials was higher than 4. The optimum conditions of SB, SBF, SBB, and SBFB with the highest lead removal efficiency at a lead concentration of 10 mg/L and pH 5 were 0.6 g and 6 h (96.08%), 0.2 g and 3 h (100%), 0.2 g and 2 h (98.22%), and 0. 1 g and 2 h (100%), respectively. Since SBFB spent less adsorbent dose and contact time than other materials with a lead removal efficiency of 100%, it was a more potential adsorbent than other materials. Thus, adding iron(III) oxide-hydroxide and changing material form helped to improve material efficiencies for lead adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacities of SB, SBF, SBB, and SBFB were 6.161, 27.027, 23.697, and 57.471 mg/L, respectively by fitting the Langmuir model. Langmuir isotherm was best fitted for SB and SBB, whereas the Freundlich model was best fitted for SBF and SBFB. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was best fitted for all materials. Moreover, all adsorbents could be reused for more than 5 cycles with the lead removal efficiency of more than 73%. Therefore, SBFB was potential material to further apply for lead removal in industrial applications.

Overlooked mechanism of Pb immobilization on montmorillonite mediated by dissolved organic matter in manure compost

In this study, three kinds of dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from fresh chicken manure (FDOM), immature compost (IDOM) and mature compost (MDOM) were employed to compare their effects on Pb adsorption onto montmorillonite (MMT). The potential mechanism was revealed by characterization of mineral structure and calculation of interface force. The results demonstrated that the adsorption capacity (q_max) of Pb onto MMT was decreased by 14.3% and 29.8% in the presence of FDOM and IDOM, respectively, while increased by 44.4% in the presence of MDOM, resulting from the release or co-adsorption of DOM-Pb complexes. Parallel factor (PARAFAC) further indicated that Pb mainly bound to protein-like substances in FDOM and IDOM, and fulvic-like in MDOM. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis proved that MDOM-Pb complex had a stronger ability to enter into the interlayer of MMT. The van der Waals force dominated the adsorption of FDOM-Pb and IDOM-Pb, while ligand exchange was involved in the case of MDOM-Pb. This study provided a comprehensive insight into the geochemical behavior of livestock manure and its compost as well as their interactions with heavy metal and soil mineral.

Removal performance and mechanisms of Pb(II) and Sb(V) from water by iron-doped phosphogypsum: single and coexisting systems

The serious environmental risks caused by Pb(II) and Sb(V) co-contamination increase the need for their efficient and simultaneous removal. In this study, the remediation feasibility by Fe-doped phosphogypsum (FPG) was elucidated for single systems with Pb or Sb pollutant and coexisting systems with both from water. As for single systems, Fe doping effectively enhanced the Pb(II) removal performance by phosphogypsum (PG) at low Pb(II) concentrations of below 100 mg/L via the combination of precipitation and complexation. The optimal removal rate of Sb(V) by FPG increased by 2.08-3.31 times as compared to that of by PG (10-120 mg/L), mainly due to the strong affinity of iron hydroxyl (≡Fe-O-H) towards Sb(V). Compared with the single systems, the coexistence greatly enhanced the Pb(II) and Sb(V) removal performance by FPG, and the interaction behavior between Pb(II) and Sb(V) on the FPG was concentration dependent. Briefly, the sorption of FPG controlled the elimination of low coexisting concentrations of Pb(II) and Sb(V), whereas the co-precipitation process between Pb(II) and Sb(V) predominated with high ions concentration. The significant synergistic effects were found during the removal of Pb(II) and Sb(V) on FPG in the coexisting system, which mainly attributed to precipitation, bridging complexation and electrostatic attraction. Considering the advantages such as facile preparation, low cost and high removal capacity, FPG is a promising material to uptake Pb(II) and/or Sb(V) from contaminated water.

Arsenic in drinking water: overview of removal strategies and role of chitosan biosorbent for its remediation

Accessibility to clean drinking water often remains a crucial task at times. Among other water pollutants, arsenic is considered a more lethal contaminant and has become a serious threat to human life globally. This review discussed the sources, chemistry, distribution, and toxicity of arsenic and various conventional technologies that are in option for its removal from the water system. Nowadays, biosorbents are considered the best option for arsenic-contaminated water treatment. We have mainly focused on the need and potential of biosorbents especially the role of chitosan-based composites for arsenic removal. The chitosan-based sorbents are economically more efficient in terms of their, low toxicity, cost-effectiveness, biodegradability, eco-friendly nature, and reusability. The role of various modification techniques, such as physical and chemical, has also been evaluated to improve the physicochemical properties of biosorbent. The importance of adsorption kinetic and isotherm models and the role of solution pH and pHPZC for arsenic uptake from the polluted water have also been investigated. Some other potential applications of chitosan-based biosorbents have also been discussed along with its sustainability aspect. Finally, some suggestions have been highlighted for further improvements in this field.

Insight into the adsorption isotherms and kinetics of Pb (II) on pellet biochar via in-situ non-destructive 3D visualization using micro-computed tomography

The micro-CT technique was applied in adsorption visualization of Pb (II) on the pellet biochar derived from wheat straw to provide information on understanding the complex heavy metal-biochar interaction during the process. The 3D distribution of Pb (II) on the biochar was well in line with the results of isothermal and kinetic adsorption experiments as well as those of simulation with Langmuir and Weber-Morris intraparticle diffusion (IPD) models. It was shown that Pb (II) was preferentially adsorbed on the surface of the biochar at an initial Pb (II) concentration of 50 mg/L. However, at a higher initial concentration of 100 mg/L, the adsorption process occurred in a two-stage regime, namely rapid surface adsorption followed by slow intraparticle diffusion. This research offered a new way for investigation of the complex adsorption behavior of heavy metals on biochar, as well as construction and optimization of related adsorption models.

Removal of toxic heavy metals using genetically engineered microbes: Molecular tools, risk assessment and management strategies

The direct release of industrial effluent into the water and other anthropogenic activities causes water pollution. Heavy metal ions are the primary contaminant in the industrial effluents which are exceptionally toxic at low concentrations, terribly disturb the endurance equilibrium of activities in the eco-system and be remarkably hazardous to human health. Different conventional treatment methodologies were utilized for the removal of toxic pollutants from the contaminated water which has several drawbacks such as cost-ineffective and lower efficiency. Recently, genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMs) stand-out for the removal of toxic heavy metals are viewed as an economically plausible and environmentally safe technique. GMMs are microorganisms whose genetic material has been changed utilizing genetic engineering techniques that exhibit enhanced removal efficiency in comparison with the other treatment methodologies. The present review comments the GMMs such as bacteria, algae and fungi and their potential for the removal of toxic heavy metals. This review provides current aspects of different advanced molecular tools which have been used to manipulate micro-organisms through genetic expression for the breakdown of metal compounds in polluted areas. The strategies, major limitations and challenges for genetic engineering of micro-organisms have been reviewed. The current review investigates the approaches working on utilizing genetically modified micro-organisms and effective removal techniques.

Modified Polymeric Biosorbents from Rumex acetosella for the Removal of Heavy Metals in Wastewater

The contamination of water resources by effluents from various industries often contains heavy metals, which cause irreversible damage to the environment and health. The objective was to evaluate different biosorbents from the weed Rumex acetosella to remove metal cations in wastewater. Drying, grinding and sieving of the stems was carried out to obtain the biomass, retaining the fractions of 250 to 500 µm and 500 to 750 µm, which served to obtain the biosorbents in natura (unmodified), acidic, alkaline, and mixed. Proximal analysis, PZC, TOC, removal capacity, influence of pH, functional groups, thermal analysis, structural characteristics, adsorption isotherms, and kinetic study were evaluated. The 250 µm mixed treatment was the one that presented the highest removal percentages, mainly due to the OH, NH, -C-H, COOH, and C-O functional groups achieving the removal of up to 96.14% of lead, 36.30% of zinc, 34.10% of cadmium and 32.50% of arsenic. For contact times of 120 min and an optimum pH of 5.0, a loss of cellulose mass of 59% at 328 °C and a change in the surface of the material were also observed, which allowed for obtaining a topography with greater chelating capacity, and the Langmuir and pseudo-second order models were better fitted to the adsorption data. The new biosorbents could be used in wastewater treatment economically and efficiently.

Land-Use Impact on Water Quality of the Opak Sub-Watershed, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The integrated monitoring system of water quality is eminently reliant on water quality trend data. This study aims to obtain water quality patterns related to land-use change over a periodic observation in the Opak sub-watershed, Indonesia, both from a seasonal and spatial point of view. Landsat image data from 2013 to 2020 and water quality data comprising 25 parameters were compiled and analyzed. This study observed that land use remarkably correlated to water quality, especially the building area representing the dense population and various anthropogenic activities, to pollute the water sources. Three types of pollutant sources were identified using principal component analysis (PCA), including domestic, industrial, and agricultural activities, which all influenced the variance in river water quality. The use of spatiotemporal-based and multivariate analysis was to interpret water quality trend data, which can help the stakeholders to monitor pollution and take control in the Opak sub-watershed. The results investigated 17 out of 25 water quality parameters, which showed an increasing trend from upstream to downstream during the observation time. The concentration of biological oxygen demand over five days (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrite, sulfide, phenol, phosphate, oil and grease, lead, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and total coli, surpassed the water quality standard through spatial analysis.

Phytoremediation technology and food security impacts of heavy metal contaminated soils: A review of literature

Heavy metal accumulation in soil and water is one of major problems caused by inorganic contaminants. Their presence in agricultural soils in high quantities have impacted the food security significantly and, by extension, the human health. Amongst various physico-chemical methods available for remediation of heavy-metals-polluted-sites, phytoremediation approaches have been found to be safe and environment friendly. This review gathered scattered information on heavy metal phytoremediation studies published in both review and research articles. It described the impact of heavy metals on food security and comprehensively discussed the application of different phytoremediation approaches for treatment of heavy metal-polluted soils, the basic principles underlining them, their strengths and weaknesses. Our findings indicated that, while hundreds of hyper-accumulator plants are being reported yearly, only few describe limitations inherent in them, such as low growth rate, low biomass production, and low metal tolerance. Hence, this review also gave a detailed overview of research gaps in phytotechnology and advocates consideration of the 'omics' studies; genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and likes in selecting and enhancing potential plants for phytoremediation. For a sustainable large-scale phytoremediation application, we established a multi-technology repair strategy via the combination of different methods like application of biological composts, plant-growth promoting microorganisms, and phytohormones for stimulation of the plant-growth during phytoremediation. We also gave comprehensive insights to proper disposal of plants used for phytoremediation, this subject is often not well considered/planned while deciding the application of plants for removal of heavy metals from polluted environments.