Lucknow: Professor Alka Kumari from the Department of Botany, University of Lucknow, has co-authored an important global review paper titled “A Comprehensive Review on Recent Advances in Nanomaterial-Facilitated Phytoremediation.”
The paper has been published in the prestigious international journal Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants (Springer), which has an impact factor of over 3.
This comprehensive review is the result of a collaborative effort by leading scientists from across India Dr. Nitesh Kumar, Dr. Ruchika Devi, Dr. Sushila Devi, Dr. Somvir Singh, Dr. Anand Singh Bisht, Dr. Jitender Kumar, Dr. Alka Kumari, Dr. Neha, Dr. Sanya Chauhan, Dr. Arti Sharma, and Dr. Rahul Kumar.
The contributing institutions include University of Lucknow, Himachal Pradesh University, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, University Institute of Biotechnology (Mohali), Abhilashi University (Mandi), and DAV University (Jalandhar).
What Is Phytoremediation?
The central focus of the study is phytoremediation — a natural process in which plants help clean up polluted soil and water. However, in areas with high levels of contamination, plants often struggle to survive or remediate effectively.
To address this challenge, the review highlights the emerging use of nanomaterials extremely tiny particles that enhance a plant’s ability to absorb, degrade, or neutralize harmful substances more efficiently.
Role of Nanomaterials
The review explains that nanomaterials such as iron (Fe), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), carbon nanotubes, graphene, and biochar can:
- Increase the pollution tolerance of plants,
- Enhance their growth and metabolic activity, and
- Stimulate beneficial soil microorganisms.
Through these combined effects, plants can more effectively remove heavy metals, pesticides, dyes, and microplastics from contaminated environments, significantly accelerating the process of environmental cleanup.
Towards Green and Sustainable Technologies
The authors note that while laboratory-scale studies have shown highly encouraging results, field-scale applications still face challenges related to cost, environmental safety, and regulatory frameworks.
The team strongly emphasizes the use of green synthesis techniques, wherein nanomaterials are produced using plant extracts or microbes, to ensure sustainability and ecological safety.
Professor Alka Kumari stated,
“This research marks a major step toward integrating traditional plant-based environmental solutions with modern nanotechnology. Such innovative approaches can help us tackle pollution in an eco-friendly, affordable, and sustainable way.”
