Phytoremediation of Urban Soils for Sustainable and Resilient Cities

Urban soils are increasingly exposed to contamination due to rapid industrialization, traffic emissions, waste disposal, and other anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc represent one of the most critical threats because of their toxicity, non-degradability, and persistence in the environment. Conventional remediation techniques, while effective, are often economically costly, technically demanding, and ecologically disruptive, which limits their large-scale application in densely populated cities. As an alternative, phytoremediation-using green plants and their associated microorganisms to extract, stabilize, or detoxify contaminants-has emerged as a promising nature-based solution. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the potentials and limitations of phytoremediation in urban soils. The analysis highlights its major advantages, including low cost, environmental sustainability, co-benefits for urban green space management, and alignment with sustainable development goals. At the same time, the article emphasizes key challenges such as the slow pace of contaminant removal, limited root penetration depth, complex contaminant mixtures, biomass disposal issues, and the lack of clear regulatory frameworks. The discussion also points to emerging strategies for enhancing phytoremediation effectiveness, such as the use of biochar amendments, plant-microbe interactions, and integrated urban green infrastructure planning. Overall, the findings suggest that phytoremediation should be regarded not only as a remediation tool but also as a multifunctional strategy that integrates environmental health, social benefits, and sustainable urban development. By embedding phytoremediation into broader urban management frameworks, cities can move toward greener, healthier, and more resilient futures.

کلیدواژه ها:

Phytoremediation ، Urban soils ، Heavy metals ، Soil contamination ، Sustainable remediation ، Green infrastructure