Plant-based Nanomaterials for Remediation of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil

Abstract

The rapid expansion of industrial activities has significantly escalated heavy metal (HM) pollution in soil ecosystems, posing severe threats to agriculture and the environment. Unlike other anthropogenic pollutants, HMs are not degradable, they can only be converted to non-toxic forms. Conventional methodologies, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches, are employed to mitigate HM pollution in soil. However, these techniques have several drawbacks, which can be addressed using nanotechnology. Nanoparticles (NPs) have shown promising results in alleviating HM stress in plants. Recently, plant-based nanoparticles (PBNPs) have emerged as a green alternative to traditional energy-intensive and environmentally hazardous NP synthesis methods. This chapter briefly describes the biosynthesis, mechanism of action, applications, and benefits of PBNPs in HM remediation from soil. Additionally, the major types of NPs currently used, their limitations, and the prospects of employing this technique in agricultural systems for a sustainable future have been discussed. © 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.