Practices for Phytoremediation of Soil in Serbia

Abstract

Phytoremediation stands as a crucial tool for addressing pollution, yet its application in Europe remains inadequately explored. Taking Serbia as a test case, this literature review delves into the state of knowledge regarding phytoremediation, exploring the regional distribution of contaminated sites, the prevalence of analysed contaminants, and the diversity of plant species employed for phytoremediation. Analysis revealed 24 distinct locations, 11 sampling parts, scrutiny of 24 potential toxic elements (PTEs) and nutrients, and the involvement of 65 plant species. Predominantly, research sites were associated with industrial areas, particularly mining sites. The efficacy of various plants varied across multiple factors, with soil, roots, and leaves emerging as the most frequently sampled components in reviewed manuscripts. Notably, the scientific literature emphasized Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb as the most frequently studied PTEs in the context of phytoremediation. This review underscores the need for increased attention to phytoremediation research in Serbia, advocating a more widespread and intensive exploration, both geographically and in research efforts. The compilation of plant species employed for phytoremediation offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of particular species in distinct phytoremediation practices.