Influence of Soil Chemistry and Plant Physiology in the Phytoremediation of Cu, Mn, and Zn

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Edgar Pinto (Author) Other; Ana A R M Aguiar (Author) FCUP; Isabel M P L V O Ferreira (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences

Vol. 33

Pages: 351-373

ISSN: 0735-2689

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 53 Citations

Scopus - 64 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-GTC

DOI: 10.1080/07352689.2014.885729

Abstract (EN): Different anthropogenic sources of metals can result from agricultural, industrial, military, mining and urban activities that contribute to environmental pollution. Plants can be grown for phytoremediation to remove or stabilize contaminants in water and soil. Copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) are trace essential metals for plants, although their role in homeostasis in plants must be strictly regulated to avoid toxicity. In this review, we summarize the processes involved in the bioavailability, uptake, transport and storage of Cu, Mn and Zn in plants. The efficiency of phytoremediation depends on several factors including metal bioavailability and plant uptake, translocation and tolerance mechanisms. Soil parameters, such as clay fraction, organic matter content, oxidation state, pH, redox potential, aeration, and the presence of specific organisms, play fundamental roles in the uptake of trace essential metals. Key processes in the metal homeostasis network in plants have been identified. Membrane transporters involved in the acquisition, transport and storage of trace essential metals are reviewed. Recent advances in understanding the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of Cu, Mn and Zn hyperaccumulation are described. The use of plant-bacteria associations, plant-fungi associations and genetic engineering has opened a new range of opportunities to improve the efficiency of phytoremediation. The main directions for future research are proposed from the investigation of published results.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 23