Potential application of enhanced phytoremediation for heavy metals treatment in Nepal

Heavy metals contamination in soil and water resources is a great threat to developing countries because of the lack of waste treatment facilities. A majority of wastewater treatment methods are known to be expensive and out of reach for municipalities and small pollution treatment enterprises. Phytotechnology is a promising, sustainable, environment-friendly, and cost-effective technique for domestic and industrial wastewater treatment in places where land is available. However, interest in conventional remediation methods and the lack of information on recent advances in a significant portion of the society in developing countries have restrained the applications of phytoremediation. This review discusses the concept of phytoremediation, mechanisms of heavy metals removal by plants, and the potential application of enhanced phytoremediation technologies in developing countries like Nepal. The authors also review the commercially viable hyperaccumulator species with their native distribution, heavy metals intake capacity, and their availability in Nepal. Those native plants can be utilized locally or introduced strategically in other parts/countries as well. Thus, for a flora-rich country like Nepal, this study holds great potential and presents enhanced phytoremediation as an effective and sustainable strategy for the future.