Phytoremediation: A green and low-cost technology to remediate herbicides in the environment

Pesticide dependence is one of the main disadvantages of agriculture. Despite the advances in biological control and integrated management of plant pests and diseases in recent years, herbicides are still essential for weed control and constitute the main class of pesticides worldwide. Herbicide residues in water, soil, air, and non-target organisms are among the biggest agricultural and environmental sustainability obstacles. Therefore, we suggest an environmentally viable alternative to reduce the harmful effects of herbicide residues, a technology called phytoremediation. Remediating plants were grouped into herbaceous, arboreal, and aquatic macrophytes. Phytoremediation can reduce the loss of at least 50% of all herbicide residues to the environment. Among the herbaceous species reported as phytoremediators of herbicides, the Fabaceae family was mentioned in more than 50% of reports. This family is also among the main species of trees reported. Regarding the most reported groups of herbicides, it is observed that most of them, regardless of the group of plants, are triazines. Processes such as extraction or accumulation are the best known and reported for most herbicides. The phytoremediation may be effective against chronic or unknown herbicide toxicity. This tool can be included in proposals for management plans and specific legislation in countries, guaranteeing public policies to maintain environmental quality.