Current Status of and Challenges for Phytoremediation as a Sustainable Environmental Management Plan for Abandoned Mine Areas in Korea

Since conventional ecological remediation technologies are often unreliable and inefficient, the use of phytoremediation, which uses plants to restore damaged or polluted environments, has been actively developed. In particular, phytoremediation for the management of abandoned mines has gained public acceptance due to its aesthetic advantages, environmental friendliness, use of solar energy, and low remediation costs. In this article, we review the current status of the phytoremediation of abandoned mines in Korea and the challenges that are faced. The technical and policy challenges that need to be overcome for the successful application of phytoremediation in Korea are discussed, along with its potential for use in sustainable ecosystem management. To fully deploy phytoremediation technology in old mining areas, further basic and applied research are required.

Automated summary

As conventional ecological remediation technologies are often unreliable and inefficient, the use of phytoremediation, which involves using plants to restore damaged or polluted environments, has gained attention. Particularly for abandoned mines, phytoremediation is actively pursued due to its aesthetic benefits, environmental friendliness, use of solar energy, and low costs. This article reviews the current state of phytoremediation of abandoned mines in Korea, discusses the challenges, and highlights its potential for sustainable ecosystem management. Further research is needed to fully implement phytoremediation in old mining areas.