Recent progress in molecular and omics based approaches to strengthen phytoremediation efficiency

Abstract:

The rapid expansion of industrialization, agriculture, and urbanization has intensified the release of pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, hydrocarbons, and pharmaceutical residues into ecosystems, posing severe risks to biodiversity, food security, and human health. Conventional remediation strategies remain costly and unsustainable, highlighting the need for eco friendly alternatives. Phytoremediation, the use of plants to extract, stabilize, and degrade contaminants, has emerged as a promising solution due to its multifunctional benefits including soil stabilization, carbon sequestration, and habitat restoration. Recent advances in molecular biology and omics technologies have significantly strengthened phytoremediation efficiency by elucidating pollutant responsive genes, transporter proteins, chelators, antioxidant systems, and stress signaling pathways. Genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics provide system‑level insights into plant responses, enabling predictive modeling and targeted genetic engineering. Biotechnological innovations such as transgenic strategies, CRISPR/Cas mediated editing, and synthetic biology have expanded plant detoxification capacity, while plant microbe partnerships further enhance resilience and pollutant degradation. Scaling phytoremediation requires integration of molecular tools, microbial consortia, field validation, biosafety frameworks, and supportive policy structures. Future directions emphasize multi omics integration, AI assisted design, and climate resilient plants to ensure global applicability. Collectively, these innovations position molecular phytoremediation as a scalable, adaptive and sustainable technology for environmental restoration.