Impact of heavy metal toxicity and constructed wetland system as a tool in remediation

ABSTRACT

The objective of this review is to throw light upon the global concern of heavy metal–contaminated sites and their remediation through an ecofriendly approach. Accumulated heavy metals in soil and water bodies gain entry through the food chain and pose serious threat to all forms of life. This has engendered interest in phytoremediation techniques where hyperaccumulators are used. Constructed wetland has a pivotal role and is a cost-effective technique in the remediation of heavy metals. Metal availability and mobility are influenced by the addition of chelating agents, which enhance the availability of metal uptake. This review helps in identifying the critical knowledge gaps and areas to enhance research in the future to develop strategies such as genetically engineered hyperaccumulators to attain an environment devoid of heavy metal contamination.

Keywords:

• Chelating agents
• constructed wetland system
• heavy metals
• hyperaccumulators
• macrophytes
• phytoremediation

Funding

The author B. Usharani wishes to thank ACRF (Anna Centenary Research Fellowship), Anna University, for supporting her PhD studies.