Use of Forest Trees in the Treatment of Polluted Soil by Heavy Metals: A Mini Review

Abstract

Human activities lead to a large accumulation of heavy metals in the soil which comes from industrial activities such as mining smelting refining manufacturing processes and waste resulting from excessive use of chemical fertilizer and vehicle exhausts. So, soil pollutants especially with heavy metals can be treated using different types of plants; such as forest trees and grasses. These plants can tolerate soil pollutants at high concentrations in their biological tissue, and treat pollutants by absorbing and accumulating heavy metals in their living tissues. Therefore, in this article, we reviewed several forest tree species, that showed high resistance in the absorption and accumulation of heavy metals, such as genus Eucalyptus, Acacia, Salix, Populus, Tamarix, Melia, Dalbergia, Leucaena, Acer, Fraxinus, and Thuja. It has been noted that planting forest trees with high biomass that resist high concentrations of heavy metals in soil, works to rid the soil of these pollutants. This is the latest and best technology for treating soil pollution. In particular, it is unique from its counterparts in its environmental friendliness, economic benefits, and other returns resulting from plant cultivation. Therefore, applying phytoremediation techniques that benefit is the best and safest for the environment and living organisms.