Phytoremediation - A sustainable approach for contaminant remediation in arid and semi-arid regions ? a review

Abstract

Existing information relating to the application of phytoremediation in arid regions, for mitigating the toxicity of organic and inorganic contaminants is summarized, emphasizing the comparative merits of different phytostrategies. Adverse climatic conditions in arid and semi-arid environments along with the intrinsic abiotic stresses need specific considerations, which are discussed here. The current "state of art" for petrochemical and metal phytoremediation, as well as phytodesalination is presented, making it possible to choose the very best decision, when the technology is applied for various contaminant scenarios. Information is also provided on contaminants in arid regions, remediation approaches and different phytoremediation strategies to be adopted, depending on the nature of contaminants and the site situations. Furthermore, phytodesalination may well occur in parallel with phytoremediation of heavy metal polluted soils in arid regions, enhancing the potential of this process. This has drawn a great deal of interest during recent years and is reviewed here. Finally, the lacunae in the current knowledge are identified, which has to be addressed to improve the effectiveness of phytoremediation under arid conditions.

The effect of municipal sewage sludge on the quality of soil and crops

“…Water deficit causes significant problems in arid and semiarid countries especially with the acceleration of population and economy growth (Al-Busaidi and Ahmed 2014; Padmavathiamma et al 2014;Ahmed et al 2008;Prathapar et al 2005). Therefore, the usage of treated municipal wastewater is a very useful resource for irrigation and industrial purposes (Saffari and Saffari 2013;Ahmed et al 2005).…”

Antibiotics in wastewaters: a review with focus on Oman

“…A considerable amount of research has been performed in Oman on various issues related to wastewater. Wastewater research focused on growing crops, impacts on soil, aquifer recharge using treated wastewater and other relevant issues (Al-Khamisi et al 2016a, b;Al-Busaidi and Ahmed 2014;Abdel Rahman et al 2011;Abdul Khaliq et al 2017a;Al-Farsi et al 2018), whereas sludge produced as by-product of wastewater treatment was investigated for its quality and likely use in crop production and remediation of contaminated sites (Al-Busaidi et al 2015;Padmavathiamma et al 2014;Al-Busaidi 2014).…”

Wastewater and sludge management and research in Oman: An overview

“…Wastewater research focused on growing crops, impacts on soil, aquifer recharge using treated wastewater, and other relevant issues (Alkhamisi et al, in press;Abdelrahman et al, 2011;Mahad et al, 2014aMahad et al, , 2014bMahad et al, , 2015. Sludge study looked at its quality and likely use in crop production and remediation of contaminated sites (Al-Busaidi, Shaharoona, and Mushtaque, 2015;Padmavathiamma et al, 2014;Al-Busaidi, 2014b). According to the latest report published by Haya Water Company (2016), Table 8 provides information on quality of treated wastewater in Oman.…”