The Potential of Chrysopogon Zizanioides (L.) Nash in Remediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Land—A Review

Several laboratories, greenhouses, and field studies showed that Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Nash (Vetiver Grass, VG) can produce high bio-mass due to C4 photosynthesis efficiency and highly tolerate to adverse climatic variation such as prolonged drought, flood, submergence and temperatures, soils with high acidity, alkalinity, salinity, and high levels of several contaminants such as heavy metals, organic waste, nuclear waste, and mine waste. It can accumulate metals in its root and shoot part, particularly aluminum, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, manganese, lead, and zinc from contaminated soil due to its fine structured roots and associated microorganisms. The majority of heavy metals are accumulated in its root part which makes it suitable for bioaccumulation of contaminants from soil, water, and sediments. By using VG as a phytoremediator, it gives better results with addition of chelating agents such as EDTA, which enhances the bioavailability of metals. It has great potentials to be used for the stabilization of contaminated sites and as a carbon sink to reduce the effects of global warming. Vetiver grass is classified among a very few plants in the literatures that have a wide range of tolerance to extremely adverse conditions of climate and growing medium (soil, sand, and tailings). The special characteristics and morphology of roots makes vetiver a choice plant for phytoremediation of heavy metals and organic wastes from contaminated medium. In this study, an attempt had been made to provide a clear understanding for potential uptake of contaminants through phytoremediation work from different types of soils, contaminants, metals salts, pH of medium, methodologies, and several chelating agents used. This review will provide a pave way for the researchers doing research in the field of phytoremediation with vetiver grass.