Study of the phytoremediation potential of native plant species identified in an area contaminated by volatile organic compounds: a systematic review

Abstract

Phytoremediation is a process that uses plants in situ to promote remediation of environments contaminated by organic or inorganic compounds. Phytoremediating species develop methods such as phytoextraction, rhizofiltration, phytodegradation, and phytovolatilization, which can manifest themselves individually or together in a single plant. This study aims to evaluate, through a systematic review, the potential phytoremediation techniques of the genera Syagrus (Mart.), Nephrolepis, Cyperus (L.), Mimosa (L.), Schinus (L.), Brachiaria, and Eryngium (L.) found in a humid area of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The genera that presented significant numbers in the databases consulted were Cyperus and Brachiaria, followed by Nephrolepis. The first two are considered the most promising for phytoremediation processes. The other genera mentioned obtained favorable results for organic contaminants. The studies around these genera are still recent. It is necessary, in research, to highlight which phytoremediation processes the plants exert in relation to the contaminant of the place. In addition, priority should be given to native species that can establish themselves in the environment and that would not unbalance and harm the surrounding biota and ecosystem.

MISSING NOVELTY STATEMENT

The research presents a survey of two decades in four multidisciplinary and international databases, identifying the limitation of research related to volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, as well as contributing to the identification of native plant species that perform phytoremediation mechanisms.

Keywords:

• Phytoremediation
• plants
• techniques
• volatile organic compounds

Acknowledgments

The authors thank CAPES and CNPq (Brazilian National Council for Scientific Research) for the grants given to some of the authors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Higher Education Personnel Improvement Coordination - CAPES (Grant no.: 88887.631050/2021-00); Brazilian National Council for Scientific Research – CNPq (Grant nos.: 140499/2020-2, 306585/2021-9).