Phytoremediation as a Potentially Promising Cleanup Technology for Co-Contaminated Soil; A Review

Abstract

Soil contamination by mixed pollutants, particularly heavy metals and organic compounds, represents one of the most complex environmental challenges of the twenty-first century. Conventional remediation technologies, while effective in some contexts, are often costly, energy-intensive, and ecologically disruptive, limiting their large-scale applicability. Phytoremediation has emerged as a promising, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative that leverages the natural ability of plants, in association with rhizosphere microbes, to detoxify, stabilize, or remove contaminants from soils. This review synthesizes current knowledge on phytoremediation as a cleanup strategy for co-contaminated soils, emphasizing the mechanisms involved, plant and microbial selection and amendment-assisted strategies. Special attention is given to biomass management and post-remediation utilization strategies, including bioenergy production, biochar generation, and phytomining, which link phytoremediation to circular economy models. Despite its significant potential, phytoremediation faces limitations such as long timeframes, contaminant complexity, and challenges in biomass disposal. Future research directions emphasize integrating plant– microbe consortia, nanotechnology, genetic engineering, and policy frameworks to improve effectiveness and scalability. This review concludes that phytoremediation, when combined with innovative technologies and sustainable management practices, offers a viable pathway for restoring co-contaminated soils while contributing to ecological restoration and resource recovery.