Phytoremediation of polluted soils and waters by native Qatari plants: Future perspectives

Abstract

Because pollution is predicted to worsen and sources of quality water for agriculture and other human activities are limited, many countries have been motivated to seek novel water sources. Qatar relies on groundwater and water desalinization to meet its water needs, and additional water resources will be needed to avoid unexpected crises in the future. Industrial wastewater (IWW) is an alternative water source, and much research activities should be focused on developing innovative and contemporary approaches to removing pollutants from IWW. Phytoremediation methods, shown to be efficient methods of removing and degrading contaminants of various kinds from polluted waters and soils, require knowledge of the native plants and associated microorganisms. In Qatar, many native plants (monocot and dicot, indigenous or introduced) have been shown to be greatly effective in remediating polluted areas. This article is a guide for Qatari scientists aiming to identify promising native plants and associated microbes for IWW phytoremediation. In it, we review the basic components of bioremediation and summarize the principle phytoremediation approaches and preferred recycling options. The multiple mechanisms and methods of phytoremediation for cleansing polluted soils and waters are also discussed as are details of the metabolic reactions degrading the organic components of oil and gas. Finally, heavy metal accumulation is addressed. Wastewater from industrial and domestic activities is currently being used to create green areas around Doha, Qatar, and such areas could be at risk of contamination. Many native Qatari plants and soil-dwelling microbes are efficient at removing organic and inorganic contaminants from polluted soils and waters, and some are promising candidates for achieving a clean environment free of contaminants.