Opportunities and challenges in the remediation of metal-contaminated soils by using tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.): a critical review

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2019 Jun;26(18):18053-18070. doi: 10.1007/s11356-019-05391-9. Epub 2019 May 15.

Abstract

The successful phytoextraction of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from polluted soils can be achieved by growing non-food and industrial crops. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is one of the main industrial crops and is widely grown in many countries. Tobacco can uptake high concentrations of PTEs especially in aboveground biomass without suffering from toxicity. This review highlighted the potential of tobacco for the phytoextraction of heavy metals and tolerance mechanisms under metal stress. Different management practices have been discussed which can enhance the potential of this plant for metal extraction. Finally, suitable options for the management/disposal of biomass enriched in excess metal have been elaborated to prevent secondary pollution.

Keywords: Contaminated soils; Hyperaccumulation; Potentially toxic elements (PTEs); Tobacco.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Biomass
  • Metals, Heavy / analysis*
  • Metals, Heavy / metabolism
  • Nicotiana / drug effects
  • Nicotiana / growth & development*
  • Nicotiana / metabolism
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Soil / chemistry*
  • Soil Pollutants / analysis*
  • Soil Pollutants / metabolism

Substances

  • Metals, Heavy
  • Soil
  • Soil Pollutants