Integrated Phytoremediation and Microbial Mitigation Strategies for Sustainable Restoration of Toxic Metal-Contaminated Soils

Abstract

Simple Summary Toxic metal contamination of soils poses a global threat because metals such as Cd, Pb, Hg, As, Cr, and Ni threaten ecosystems, food security, and human health. Although conventional remediation methods are effective, they may cause secondary pollution or soil degradation. Biological approaches such as phytoremediation and microbial mitigation are more sustainable but perform inconsistently under field conditions. This review evaluates integrated strategies combining plants and microorganisms with nano-enabled materials, biochar, omics-guided optimization, and CRISPR/Cas engineering. These approaches can enhance metal extraction or immobilization, plant tolerance, detoxification, and soil recovery. The review examines ecological, regulatory, economic, and biosafety constraints and proposes a site-specific framework for sustainable remediation that achieves durable reductions in contaminant exposure and ecological risk.