Phytoremediation Strategies of Multi-Polluted Soils: Enhancements, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Soil contaminated by both petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) and heavy metals presents significant challenges, such as reduced bioavailability of pollutants, toxic effects on soil microorganisms, and unpredictable chemical interactions. These complex interactions hinder effective remediation. Phytoremediation, which leverages plant and microbial processes, offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution. However, its effectiveness is often limited by the intricate interactions between PHs, heavy metals, and soil components, which complicate pollutant degradation and microbial activity. In this review, phytoremediation strategies for multi-polluted soils with PHs and heavy metals are explored, addressing the challenges posed by their co-occurrence and interactions. Key challenges include competition between pollutants for soil binding sites and microbial community disruptions, which slow degradation. Strategies to overcome these limitations involve using soil amendments to enhance pollutant bioavailability, applying plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) to improve plant resilience, and employing genetic engineering to boost pollutant uptake and detoxification mechanisms in plants. Future advancements in interdisciplinary approaches, combining biological techniques with technological innovations, are highlighted to address the complexities of multi-polluted environments and improve pollutant removal efficiency.