Toxicity and detoxification of heavy metals during plant growth and metabolism

Pollution of plants by heavy metals is a critical health issue because metals can be transmitted to animals and humans. Heavy metal exposure induces an oxidative stress in plant, resulting in cellular damage and altered cellular ionic homeostasis. As a consequence, plants start detoxification mechanisms. Here, we review heavy metal toxicity and impact. We discuss metabolism and detoxification strategies of heavy metals and metalloid, with emphasis on the use of transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics. A section highlights microRNA (miRNA) as critical regulators of heavy metal stress in plants. We also present bioremediation and phytoremediation methods to remove metals.