Rhizofiltration

Rhizofiltration involves the use of the plant to ab/adsorb the contaminants, resulting in restricted movement of these contaminants in underground water [67,68]. Roots play a very significant part in rhizofiltration. Factor such as changing pH in the rhizosphere and root exudates helps the precipitation of heavy metal on the surface of the roots. Once the plant has soaked up all the contaminants, they can easily be harvested and disposed [69]. Plants for rhizofiltration should have the ability; to produce a widespread root system, accumulate high concentrations of heavy metals, be easy to handle and have low maintenance cost [42,70]. Both aquatic and terrestrial plants with long fibrous root systems can be used in rhizofiltration [70]. Rhizofiltration is productively used for handling and treatment of the agricultural runo ff, industrial discharge, radioactive contaminant, and metals [71]. Heavy metals which are mostly retained in the soil such as cadmium, lead, chromium, nickel, zinc, and copper can be adequately remediated through rhizofiltration [72].
