Soil pollution caused by heavy metals (HMs) has become a major global concern, particularly due to the risks associated with their accumulation in the food chain. Phytoremediation has gained recognition as an economical and sustainable technique for addressing HM pollution. Phytoremediation leverages the ability of plants to absorb, break, or stabilize contaminants. Further, a novel technology called nano-phytoremediation has emerged to enhance phytoremediation's efficacy. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnPs) are widely used in nano-phytoremediation because of neutral pH, chemical stability, and affordability. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on the application of ZnPs to enhance phytoremediation, with an emphasis on elucidating their underlying mechanisms of action. A bibliometric analysis is presented to emphasize the increasing research focus on ZnPs in phytoremediation. The application of ZnPs in phytoremediation is extensively examined. The review further discusses the physico-chemical assessment of soil, synthesis and toxicity of nanoparticles, and post-harvest use of plants. Existing literature suggests that ZnPs, when applied at optimal concentrations, can promote plant growth and yield by enhancing photosynthetic pigment production, protein synthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the phytoavailability of HMs. Although still in the developmental stage, nano-phytoremediation demonstrates substantial potential as a sustainable strategy for the remediation of contaminated environments.

Water pollution from textile industries poses severe ecological risks due to the presence of toxic dyes, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants. This study evaluates the phytoremediation potential of (stinging nettle), a locally abundant species in Himachal Pradesh, for treating textile wastewater using a coconut-coir-based hydroponic system. Untreated effluent from India textile industry, was subjected to a 40-day treatment under controlled conditions, followed by physicochemical and biological analyses in accordance with American Public Health Association (APHA) and Indian standards (IS). The system achieved substantial reductions in cadmium (84.62%), zinc (92.31%), lead (93.33%), Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 89.32%), Chemical oxygen demand (COD 79.2%), phenolic compounds (81.81%), and ammonical nitrogen (98.36%), alongside notable improvements in water clarity, color, and odor. Post-harvest biomass management through pyrolysis or phytomining supports circular economy applications and safe disposal. Compared to conventional methods, this hydroponic phytoremediation approach is cost-effective, energy-efficient, and produces minimal sludge or hazardous by-products. The findings highlight the potential of hydroponically cultivated as a scalable, low-cost, and sustainable solution for decentralized wastewater treatment, advancing green engineering practices.

Vegetation mitigates air pollution with trace elements (TEs), by capturing them on plant surfaces. However, retention on foliage is typically temporal and TE can be washed off by precipitation. Due to the inherent variability and unpredictability of natural rainfall, as well as complex environmental factors, pollutant removal precipitation is often studied using simulated rain. This study aimed to determine whether simulated rainfall can reliably replace natural rainfall in experiments assessing the wash-off of TEs from leaf surfaces. Plant material was foliage of 17 plant species (herbaceous plants, deciduous and evergreen trees, and shrubs), growing in an urban park in Wuhan, China. Across all examined TEs (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Ba, Pt), simulated rainfall generally removed a higher fraction of pollutants than natural rainfall. Interestingly, natural rainfall was associated with increased amounts of Cu and Zn on foliage after precipitation. Pollutant removal efficiency varied depending on the type of rainfall and plant groups, with natural rainfall being more effective in TEs removal from evergreen trees, while simulated rainfall performed better with deciduous shrubs and herbaceous species. These inter- and intra-group variations suggest that simulated rainfall does not fully replicate the mechanisms of pollution removal occurring in real-life conditions.

Soil contamination with cadmium (Cd) along with drought stress causes severe decline in wheat production around the world. The current study was designed to unravel the role of Zn in modulation of Cd phytotoxicity and phytoremediation in wheat under drought stress. Wheat plants were exposed to Cd (0, 20 mg kg) and Zn (0, 10 mg kg) under moist (70% of water-holding capacity and drought stress (35% of water-holding capacity) conditions. A significant reduction was observed in plant growth (44%), chlorophyll contents (47%), and stomatal conductance (46%) in plants under the dual stress of Cd and drought. The level of oxidative stress markers (HO and lipid peroxidation) enhanced under combined Cd and drought stress, resulting in membrane damage. The supplementation of Zn partially alleviated negative effects of Cd and drought on plants. Under the combined treatment of Cd and drought, Zn addition caused a 27%, 24%, and 27% increase in plant growth, chlorophyll contents and stomatal conductance, respectively. Zinc application limited root to shoot transfer of Cd and lowered the oxidative damage by enhancing the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase by 16%, 18%, and 17%, respectively. Hence, the exogenous application of Zn proved to be a promising strategy for mitigating the phytotoxicity of Cd and enhancing its phytostabilization under water limited conditions.

Xenobiotic stress, such as crude oil contamination in soil, is a major environmental challenge that adversely affects plant growth and development. Among five isolates screened for their ability to degrade crude oil, strain HMA5 was the most potent strain showing oil degradation capacity of 83%. Temperature and incubation period are critical factors that affect hydrocarbon degradation as the best degradation capacity was obtained at temperature range of 30 °C - 40 °C and after 7 days of incubation period as degradation capacity was recorded up to 83%. Moreover, a co-culture of HMA5 and IGTS8 revealed an oil degradation capacity of 90%. The growth performance of the (V120 cultivar) in untreated soil indicates its potential for phytoremediation of crude oil-contaminated sites. Microbial augmentation using a consortium of HMA5 and IGTS8 mitigates xenobiotic stress and hence may enhance the phytoremediation capacity of sunflower. Bioaugmentation promotes sunflower growth, increases chlorophyll content, and enhances photosynthetic efficiency. Plants grown in bioaugmented soil showed a significant reduction in both stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, APX, and PPO). This finding presents a sustainable strategy for future applications in the bioremediation of crude oil-contaminated soil.

Arsenic (As) contamination in the environment is a significant global health concern. This study evaluates the potential of cassava () as a remediation tool for As-contaminated soils. Five cassava cultivars were cultivated in soils with varying As concentrations, and morphological traits and As accumulation were assessed at four and six months after planting (MAP). The results indicate that high As concentrations (50 mg kg) led to a 50% reduction in shoot dry weight, while moderate As levels (25 mg kg) resulted in a 41% decrease. At 4 MAP, the R11 cultivar exhibited the highest As concentrations in roots (100 mg kg) and stems (9 mg kg), with a bioaccumulation coefficient of 2.2. Concentrations of As in storage roots (22 mg kg) were lower than in adventitious roots (74 mg kg). The number of nodal roots showed a positive correlation with As concentration in both stems ( = 0.74) and roots ( = 0.55) under high As conditions. Furthermore, high As contamination in cassava starch delayed ethanol fermentation by up to 12 h but did not significantly affect ethanol yields after 36 h. These findings suggest that cassava is a promising candidate for the remediation of As-contaminated soils.

Phytoremediation is a sustainable and cost-effective approach to remediate soil and water contaminated with hazardous metals using plants. This study evaluates the phytoremediation potential of two hyperaccumulator plants in Pakistan, (spinach) and (Indian mustard), focusing on their capability to extract heavy metals from contaminated soils. Results indicated that both species are effective in accumulating heavy metals, with showed significance effect. Specifically, extracted higher levels of cadmium, achieved concentrations of 77.10 ppm, compared to 62.57 ppm in The study also evaluated the accumulation percentage and Bio-concentration Factor (BCF) of heavy metals in and to provide further insights. Furthermore, it also showed a higher accumulation of zinc, with a concentration of 69.68 ppm. These results highlight the efficacy of in metal uptake and underscore the utility of both species in the phytoremediation of contaminated sites. This study provides essential insights for optimizing phytoremediation strategies and selecting appropriate plant species based on specific environmental contaminants and conditions, thereby advancing the application of phytoremediation as a sustainable solution for managing soil pollution.

In this research, biologically synthesized iron oxide(FeO) nanoparticles and phytoremediation studies() were used to treat the pharmaceutical effluents. This study evaluated the effectiveness of phytoremediation and FeO-based adsorption for treating pharmaceutical effluents. The biologically synthesized iron oxide nanoparticle was characterized through UV-DRS, FTIR, and SEM-EDAX. The size of FeO ranged from 400-500nm. Phytoremediation achieved a maximum removal of 85.17% at 200 mg/L, whereas the highest remediation achieved using iron oxide nanoparticles is 60.70% at 400 mg/L. Similarly, a kinetic study revealed that 25 mg of FeO nanoparticles could efficiently degrade different concentrations of mixed phenols at the end of 60 min. Wastewater analysis, such as TDS, Nitrate, DO, and BOD, was performed for 5 days. Chlorophyll a was found to be in the range of 0.002-0.01 mg/g while chlorophyll b was in the range of 0.0-0.036 mg/g. Histopathology studies revealed that mixed phenols had a great effect on the root and leaves of The phytotoxicity analysis employing was performed, revealing that it had the highest tolerance level against mixed phenols, showing germination on 60 mg/L of mixed phenols. Finally, it was inferred that the integrated approach boosted the removal of phenolic compounds from the wastewater.

Constructed Floating Wetlands (CFWs) with emergent macrophytes offer a low-cost, sustainable strategy to mitigate eutrophication. We evaluated the combined use of , a native macrophyte from the Americas, and dried biomass of (DB Pc) as substrate in small-scale CFWs to suppress a natural cyanobacterial bloom. mesocosm experiments (40 L) were conducted over 16 days with treatments: with DB Pc (S+), alone (S-), DB Pc alone, and living as positive control. (S-) and reduced Soluble Reactive Phosphorus by >85%, but produced 10 times less biomass. Treatments with DB Pc increased nutrient and phenol concentrations. All treatments led to reduced chlorophyll-a and phytoplankton density, especially cyanobacteria, along with pH reduction. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed higher bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere than in the water, suggesting a role in phytoremediation. The combination of and DB Pc in CFWs shows potential for cyanobacterial control through nutrient uptake, allelopathy, and pH modulation. This method supports sustainable water management by utilizing a native, slow-growing macrophyte and repurposing waste biomass that would otherwise harm aquatic ecosystems.

Radioactive Sr endangers ecosystems and human health owing to its long half-life and high food chain mobility. Phytoremediation is a promising alternative to conventional remediation. This study aimed to screen sunflower ( L.) varieties with high Sr accumulation and clarify the underlying mechanisms. Nine varieties were grown in Sr-contaminated soil (1000 mg·kg), assessed by emergence rate, biomass, per-plant Sr accumulation, biological concentration factor (BCF), and translocation factor (TF). Sr accumulation varied significantly among varieties (50.03-264.13 mg·pot). "TK-39" showed the highest accumulation (264.13 mg·pot), high BCF (0.173), and TF (7.98), with no significant biomass loss. Tissue analysis revealed Sr mainly accumulated in leaves (4108.61 mg·kg DW), followed by stalks/stems, and least in seed shells (27.07 mg·kg DW) and seeds (7.90 mg·kg DW). Subcellularly, Sr localized in cell walls (roots: 60%, stems: 53%, and leaves: 73%). Chemically, it existed as pectates/protein complexes (roots: 63%, stems: 51%, and leaves: 44%). "TK-39" is promising for Sr phytoremediation, with mechanistic insights provided for sunflower application in radioactive Sr-contaminated soil remediation.

Cadmium (Cd) pollution influences environmental quality and human health, and magnesium (Mg)-modified biochar can efficiently clean Cd. However, to date, the effects and mechanisms of Mg-modified biochar generated from agricultural waste on comprehensive Cd remediation in water, soil, and plant is limited. In this study, the Mg-modified and unmodified biochars were produced from citrus peels. It was found that the surface area and pore volume of modified biochars were higher than those of unmodified biochars. After Mg modification, increase in H/C, O/C, and (O + N)/C ratios indicated Mg-modified biochars had a greater proportion of aromatic structures. In aqueous experiment, maximum Cd adsorption capacity and removal rate were observed in MgBC600, which was 182.24 mg/g and 97.75%. In pot experiment, MgBC600 significantly reduced Cd concentration of pakchoi by 44.40-46.20% and enhanced biomass by 40.68-112.50%. The application of MgBC600 promoted Cd immobilization by converting bioavailable Cd into insoluble forms. Mineral precipitation was the main mechanism (63.82-86.04%) of biochars for Cd remediation. XPS and XRD analysis proved the form of precipitation was CdO, Cd(OH), and CdCO. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for the resource utilization of citrus peels and the future application of Mg-modified biochar for environmental purification and safe crop production.

Plant-colonizing beneficial microbes are effective bio-tools for enhancing phytoremediation. Two-year pot experiment at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India, assessed the response of under nursery conditions to sewage sludge treated soil with indigenous metal-mobilizing species- (T), (T), (T), and their consortium (T), with three inorganic fertilizer levels-RDF1-100%, RDF2-75%, and RDF3-50% [Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)]. Each inoculated treatment was compared to its respective uninoculated control (C). The application of T with RDF1 significantly increased shoot length and biomass by 13.8 and 32.9% than C, respectively. Bioconcentration factors (BCF) for Cd and Ni increased by over 50% than C demonstrating enhanced phytoremediation efficiency. Elemental accumulation was predominantly localized in roots, with the exception of Zn and Cd. Among most of the parameters, RDF1 × T was statistically comparable with RDF2 × T Irrespective of fertilizer dose, T maximally improved phytoremediation efficiency (BCF) by 0.61 (shoot) and 0.52 (root) compared to 0.20 and 0.16 in C, respectively, as well as soil chemical and biological properties up to 22.3%. These results highlight the potential of indigenous microbial inoculants to reduce soil heavy metals and enable sustainable, enhanced phytoremediation with 25% lower fertilizer input.

The scarcity of freshwater resources compels farmers to utilize wastewater for irrigation. The current study aimed to assess the performance of tomato ( L.) genotypes for potentially toxic elements (PTEs), Ni, Pb, Mn, Zn, and Cr genetic tolerance. For this purpose, 44 tomato genotypes were grown in the field conditions under sewage water (T1) and canal water (T2) irrigation to screen tolerant and sensitive genotypes based on PTEs accumulation in reproductive and vegetative parts of both treatments. Selected genotypes were validated under hydroponic conditions with the same PTEs concentrations. Gene expression of metallothionein () and heat shock protein () was assessed using ubiquitin (UBQ) as reference gene. The PB-017906 genotype was selected as the best metal-tolerant, and the 10592 was identified as high-yielding, and thus recommended for commercial production. At 200 μM Pb concentration, target genes, and transcribed profusely 63.27 and 38.81 times, respectively in leaf tissue of "Riograndi" as compared to other genotypes. While in low metal accumulator PB-017906 genotype transcription in leaf tissue at 200 and 400 μM Pb concentrations was insignificantly upregulated (1.28 and 1.86 times than control), followed by CLN-2418A. RT-PCR clearly revealed Cr stress induced higher and transcription in leaves at 200 µM (2.55 and 4.05 times), and same trend was observed in roots. The upregulation of and genes may be attributed to PTEs tolerance mechanism and tolerance capacity largely depends upon the genetic variability of the plant. Current findings highlighted tomato germplasm genetic variability as a basis for PTE tolerance, and selected tolerant genotypes capable of sustainable agriculture under PTE stress. Hence, these genotypes could also be used for breeding tomatoes with low PTEs bioavailability and better yields. This would help to improve food security and environmental protection by allowing more crop production in contaminated regions.

With industrialization and population growth, the greenhouse effect is intensifying, and atmospheric CO levels and regional temperatures are key indicators influencing plant growth and phytoremediation. This study investigates the responses of to elevated CO (550 ppm, predicted for 2050), increased temperature (3 °C rise), at elevated CO, the plant's dry weight increased by 25%, and metal uptake, including Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn, showed significant improvement compared to ambient conditions. In contrast, temperature rise reduced growth and metal uptake, decreasing phytoremediation efficiency for Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn by 81%, 72%, 80%, and 84%, respectively. However, the combined effect of elevated CO and temperature resulted in a 44-58% increase in remediation efficiency for these metals, reducing soluble Cu and Pb content in the soil. Additionally, the dual treatment decreased malondialdehyde content by 30% in roots and shoots, suggesting that the synergistic effect of CO and temperature alleviates oxidative stress. These findings highlight that the greenhouse effect can enhance the phytoremediation efficiency of , offering valuable insights for future environmental management and soil decontamination strategies. This study emphasizes the potential for optimizing phytoremediation under future climate change scenarios to improve soil restoration techniques and promote environmental sustainability.

This study evaluated the phylloremediation potential of four common ornamental species in Egypt: Thunb., Jacq., L., and L. for mitigating airborne lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) across three urban sites with contrasting pollution intensities. Comprehensive analyses assessed dust deposition, leaf morphology, anatomy, and metal bioaccumulation. Dust deposition ranged from 4.2 ± 0.3 g m at the control site to 18.7 ± 1.1 g m at the most polluted site, with and showing the highest accumulation ( < 0.001). Pb and Cd concentrations increased up to 7.8- and 5.3-fold, respectively, at polluted sites. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of both species and sites, with and strongly correlating metal uptake with surface roughness, trichome density, and cuticle thickness. Conversely, and exhibited lower accumulation but higher structural resilience. PCA confirmed that heavy metal uptake was closely linked to specific leaf area and micromorphological traits. Overall, and demonstrated superior tolerance and metal-retention efficiency, emphasizing their suitability for urban greenbelt development and highlighting phylloremediation as an active, species-specific mechanism for atmospheric pollutant mitigation.

Salinity stress significantly impairs the growth and productivity of wheat. Nanoparticles application is an emerging technique improving stress tolerance. This study explores the role of various nanoparticles in mitigating harmful effects of salt stress in wheat. Xiaoyan 22, Jinmai 47, and Xinong 895 genotypes were nano-primed with 100 mg/L of zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (CuO) and silicon dioxide (SiO) nanoparticles, and grown in control (hydro-priming) and salt stress (150 mM). CuO nano-priming significantly improved the physiological attributes like photosynthetic activity, leaf water potential, chlorophyll fluorescence, and biochemical attributes, while it decreased oxidized glutathione (GSSG), photosystem's excitation pressure (1-qP), and non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ). ZnO nano-priming improved the post-harvest traits compared to SiO and control. Salt tolerance and injury indexes highlight the effectiveness of ZnO more than CuO and SiO nanoparticles in improving yield traits. CuO and ZnO nano-priming elevated the expression level of potassium and nitrogen transporter, and Na antiporter genes, results in strengthening physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms. CuO and ZnO nano-priming with optimized range significantly enhance wheat resilience to salinity and paving the potential to enhance growth and productivity, respectively. Current study supports the applicability of nanotechnology and priming techniques for the cultivation of cereals in saline-prone regions.

The rapid growth of urban populations has led to excessive household waste generation, producing leachates rich in toxic organic and inorganic compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial responses of irrigated with raw and treated leachates. Antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging assay (DPPH) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), while antimicrobial potential was evaluated against bacterial and fungal strains using disk diffusion. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was conducted to identify bioactive compounds, and molecular docking was performed to predict their interactions with antioxidant and antimicrobial enzyme targets. Irrigation with raw leachate decreased antioxidant capacity (DPPH IC = 0.190 mg/mL; FRAP = 1.63 mg/mL), while treated leachate improved activity (DPPH IC = 0.126 mg/mL; FRAP = 1.22 mg/mL). Extracts from plants exposed to raw leachate showed stronger antimicrobial effects, with an inhibition zone of 8.75 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to 5.5 mm in the control. In addition, molecular docking revealed a strong affinity between bioactive compounds and antioxidant and antimicrobial enzyme targets. Leachate exposure modulates metabolism, enhancing its bioactive potential and supporting its role as a sustainable species for environmental remediation and biotechnological applications.

Emergent macrophytes effectively control eutrophication in constructed floating wetlands (CFW). However, tropical species from South America are underutilized. This study evaluates five emergent macrophytes-, , , , and -for their ability to control eutrophication and inhibit cyanobacterial growth, compared to the well-studied floating . Phytoremediation experiments in 50 L mesocosms with high soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations (400 µg L-1) showed that while reduced SRP by 76% in 14 days, compared to the control without macrophytes; other macrophytes reduced SRP by over 91%, except for at 40%. NH4+ and NO3- removal rates for were 90% and 47%, respectively, matching the performance of the tested macrophytes. Root exudates of , , and inhibited the growth of the cyanobacterium , with no Chl-a detected after 7 days. Thus, three emergent macrophytes outperformed in nutrient removal and showed allelopathic potential against cyanobacteria. Utilizing local emergent macrophytes in CFW systems presents a valuable and sustainable approach to mitigating eutrophication and its consequences on aquatic environments such as cyanobacteria blooms.

This study investigated zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) accumulation in (water spinach) from 12 locations across Peninsular Malaysia to assess its dietary safety and potential for phytoremediation. The research found significant variations in metal concentrations across the plant's tissues and its surrounding soil. Zn levels were highest in roots (28.1-784 mg/kg dry weight), followed by leaves (11.6-298 mg/kg DW) and stems (11.1-260 mg/kg DW). Similarly, Cu concentrations were also highest in roots (9.42-195.8 mg/kg DW), then stems (4.65-41.1 mg/kg DW) and leaves (2.62-25.7 mg/kg DW). A key finding was a significant positive correlation between Zn and Cu uptake, suggesting synergistic accumulation, particularly in the roots. Dietary risk assessments using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) indicated negligible health risks from consumption, confirming the plant's safety. While metal translocation to edible parts was low (Translocation Factor, TF < 1), the high bioconcentration in roots (Bioconcentration Factor, BCF > 1 for Zn) suggests I. aquatica has moderate potential for phytostabilization in Zn-contaminated wetlands. The study concludes that is a safe crop and a promising candidate for phytoremediation, emphasizing the need for updating dietary guidelines to reflect observed synergistic metal interactions.

This study investigates whether plants can uptake, accumulate, and detoxify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hazardous pollutants that can harm soil fertility and the environment. To test this hypothesis, hydroponic system was used to examine the distribution dynamics and potential degradation pathways of pyrene (PYR) in proso millet () tissues at varying concentrations (0, 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 ppm). Results indicated that higher PYR concentrations adversely affected plant growth, but plant-assisted dissipation removed 29-43% of PYR over 30 days. While PYR levels in the roots increased with exposure, concentrations in the shoots significantly decreased at higher PYR levels. By the end of the experiment, PYR concentrations were higher in roots than in shoots. Bioconcentration and translocation factors peaked at 500 ppm, with translocation to shoots evident on day 15 but primarily restricted to roots by day 30. Furthermore, three main steps in PYR degradation in were proposed: (A) ring cleavage and oxidation reactions forming epoxides, (B) enzymatic transformations of epoxides and other intermediates, and (C) synthesis of terpenoids and phthalates.

Heavy metals (HMs) are metalloids that exhibit biological toxicity to plants. Effective management of HM-contaminated environments is crucial for sustainable plant development. Palm seeds, as agricultural residues with nutritional value, show potential for bioremediation applications. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of air-dried (D) and roasted (R) palm seed powder (PSP) as HMs adsorbents. PSP was used to mitigate lead (Pb) toxicity in wheat and reduce its bioavailability in contaminated soils. PSP contains 33% fibers and 23% carbohydrates, and other constituents. PSP could adsorb cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) at 5, 50, and 500 mg L of each HMs. Pb adsorption rates reached a maximum of 93% at 500 mg L. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis confirmed the porous nature and the presence of active functional groups such as O-H, C-H, and C═O. D and R powders in soil improved the growth parameters under Pb stress by enhancing the production of antioxidant compounds, soluble carbohydrates, protein, and proline. The frequency of damaged nuclei was reduced by PSP treatments in wheat, which in turn reduced Pb-induced DNA damage. When compared to untreated plants, the DNA damage was reduced by 26.63% and 64.95% when D and R PSP were used at 500 mg L Pb, respectively. At 50 mg L Pb, shoots accumulated more Pb than roots (TF = 1.97), while at 500 mg L, roots accumulated more (TF = 0.57), reducing the tolerance index (TI) to 50.97. Palm seed powder treatments lowered Pb uptake and increased the TI to 90.61 in 50 mg L Pb D PSP-amended soil. In conclusion, PSPs possess the potential to be an efficient bio-adsorbent of different HMs that could be implemented to sustain plant growth in HMs-contaminated environments.