New paper published! Modern methods of soil remediation – Phytoremediation as a key to soil purification and ecosystem preservation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and potential of phytoremediation technologies in the restoration and purification of soils contaminated by heavy metals and other pollutants to reduce the negative impact on natural and anthropogenic ecosystems due to the war in Ukraine.

The issue of soil remediation in Ukraine is extremely relevant due to military operations on the territory of our state. As a result of armed aggression, biocenoses, fuels and lubricants, explosives, heavy metals and other dangerous substances are contaminated, which leads to a deterioration in the state of agrobiocenoses and the ecosystem of the affected territory. In particular, as a result of soil contamination with heavy metals, they are absorbed by agricultural crops. Thus, metals fall into the trophic chain, the final point of which is the human body. Particularly dangerous heavy metals, which include Pb, Cd, Hg and others, have a toxic effect on human health, causing a variety of diseases, including disorders of the nervous system, kidneys, liver and other organs. In order to solve the problem of soil pollution with heavy metals and chemical elements, scientists have developed methods that can restore soil fertility and make it suitable for growing crops. The most common include physical, chemical, physicochemical, biological methods of soil cleaning. However, the most promising and realistic to use in modern conditions of Ukraine is the method of phytoremiation. The essence of the method is the absorption of heavy metals by plants with subsequent utilization of plant products

The research methods included a review of literature sources reflecting the use of modern scientific approaches to analyze the impact of heavy metals on ecosystems and to assess the effectiveness of phytoremediation. The literature review analysis showed that phytoremediation methods are the most promising for the conditions in Ukraine. Various laboratory and field studies were used to determine the ability of hyperaccumulator plants to absorb heavy metals from contaminated soils. The results of studies by many scientists have shown that some plants, such as Miscanthus giganteus and Pisum sativum, have high potential for use in phytoremediation measures. They can effectively absorb heavy metals and other pollutants from the soil, contributing to its purification and restoration. Additionally, the use of such plants can have additional economic benefits, for example, in the production of bioethanol or other bioenergy resources. When planning phytoremediation measures, it is necessary to consider both the type of contamination and the possibility of further use of biomass. This will allow not only effective soil purification but also provide additional economic benefits and minimize health risks to the population. Phytoremediation, as a method of restoring contaminated areas, has significant potential for ecosystem preservation and sustainable agricultural development in Ukraine. The use of hyperaccumulator plants can significantly reduce the concentration of heavy metals in soils, which will contribute to the restoration of biodiversity and improve the ecological state of affected areas. Future research should focus on optimizing phytoremediation methods for different types of soils and pollutants, as well as exploring the possibilities of integrating these methods into general environmental restoration programs and sustainable land use practices.

Therefore, when planning phytoremediation measures, it is necessary to consider both the type of pollution and the possibility of further use of biomass. This will not only effectively clean the soil, but also provide additional economic benefits and minimize risks to public health.

Table 1. List of heavy metal hyperaccumulators crops

Keywords:  heavy metals, hyperaccumulators, biodiversity, agricultural crops, war pollution, ecological restoration, peas, miscanthus.

Citation: Datsko, O. M., & Yatsenko, V. M. (2024). Modern methods of soil remediation. Phytoremediation as a key to soil purification and ecosystem preservation. Agrarian innovations, (25), 20-24. https://doi.org/10.32848/agrar.innov.2024.25.3