Nanoremediation approaches for the mitigation of heavy metal contamination in vegetables: An overview

Metals with high atomic weights and gravity are considered heavy metals (HMs). Rapid industrialization increases the content of harmful HMs in an ecosystem by affecting soil, water, and living organisms. One growing concern is a buildup of HMs in food crops including vegetables either by irrigation with wastewater containing HMs or from contaminated soil. Consumption of vegetables has potentially serious effects on living organisms. Various physical and chemical strategies are used but such methods have certain limitations. Nanoremediation, a combination of bioremediation and nanotechnology. represents an innovative way for sustainable removal of contaminants such as HMs. Nano-level understanding of cellular and molecular pathways is essential for treating HMs. Although the eco-toxicity of nanotechnology is a recent issue of concern, it is a promising strategy to deal with the pollution of the environment. These strategies can make the vegetables consumable with fewer HMs. Nanoparticles (NPs) are potentially adaptable for both in situ and ex situ HM treatment. This review provides a critical overview of recent nanoremediation technologies and the properties of NPs. Furthermore, considerable valuation of nanoremediation techniques was considered for dealing with contamination with special attention on health and the environment. The review further illustrates the ecological implementation of nanotechnology and provides a strong recommendation for the utilization of nanoremediation to improve the recent situation and justifiable future. [GRAPHICS]