Incorporating hyperaccumulating plants in phytomining, remediation and resource recovery: recent trends in the African region – a review

Abstract

Phytomining, the extraction of valuable metals from soil or waste substrates using plants, has gained increasing attention as a sustainable and economically viable alternative to conventional mining practices. Central to this approach is the use of hyperaccumulating plants, which possess the remarkable ability to uptake and concentrate metals in their biomass. The recognition and use of hyperaccumulating plants have become essential components of phytomining at numerous mine sites around the globe. Metal hyperaccumulators however, suffer setbacks such as low biomass production and limited survival in harsh environments like minefields. These limitations restrict their practical application in real-world settings. This review thus explores the biological, agronomic, and environmental aspects of incorporating hyperaccumulators in phytomining. We discuss key hyperaccumulating species, factors influencing phytomining efficiency, and recent advancements in enhancing biomass yield and metal accumulation in minefields. Additionally, we evaluate the economic and ecological implications of phytomining as a green technology for resource recovery.