Microbes-assisted phytoremediation of contaminated environment: Global status, progress, challenges, and future prospects

The man-made activities have contributed towards the contamination of the environment disturbing the ecological balance of the ecosystem. Microbes-assisted phytoremediation (MAP) has gained attention in the past decade and tremendous research has been carried out globally to establish an efficient process for the treatment of various contaminants. MAP can be regarded as a multidimensional approach as it helps in the restoration of land, increases the survival potential of plants, sequestration of carbon dioxide and maintenance of biodiversity. Thus, considering the broad and future perspective of MAP the present chapter was designed wherein it would deal with the potential of MAP in bioremediating various pollutants such as metal, pesticides, and hydrocarbons. The current global scenario of MAP along with the limitations faced in implementing the process at large scale and prospects of the system would be discussed in detail in this chapter.