Phytomanagement of trace element polluted fields with aromatic plants: supporting circular bio-economies

STATEMENT OF NOVELTYPhytomanagement studies have remarkably increased during the last 4 years. However, there were limited studies on field application of this strategy. France is the leading country in phytomanaged polluted fields using aromatic plants. Applying aromatic plants based degraded land management models are a sustainable approach toward circular economy and to achieve the objectives of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Trace elements pollution of soils became a global concern because of their persistence in the environment which can lead to accumulation in food chains up to toxic levels. At the same time, there is a shortage of arable land for growing food, fodder and industrial crops, which highlights the need for remediation/use of polluted land. Restoration of degraded lands has been included as a vital component of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We summarize various sources of entry of important trace elements in the environment, available biological reclamation and management strategies and their limitations. Recent advances in phytomanagement approaches using aromatic crops to obtain economically valuable products such as essential oils and revalorize such polluted areas are reviewed. The worldwide application of this strategy in the last 10 years is illustrated through a choropleth map. Finally, the emerging concept of phytomanagement as a restorative and regenerative circular bio-economy is also discussed.

Automated summary

The study of phytomanagement has seen a significant increase in the past 4 years, but there is limited research on its field application. France is a leading country in using aromatic plants for phytomanaging polluted fields. Applying aromatic plants for degraded land management is a sustainable approach toward circular economy and achieving sustainable development goals. The pollution of trace elements in soils has become a global concern due to their persistence in the environment, which can lead to accumulation in food chains at toxic levels. At the same time, there is a shortage of arable land for growing crops, emphasizing the need for remediation and use of polluted land. Restoration of degraded lands has been recognized as a vital component of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study provides a summary of various sources of trace elements pollution, available biological reclamation and management strategies, and their limitations. Recent advances in phytomanagement approaches using aromatic crops for economic value and revalorizing polluted areas are reviewed. The worldwide application of this strategy in the past decade is illustrated through a choropleth map. Furthermore, the emerging concept of phytomanagement as a restorative and regenerative circular bio-economy is discussed.