Activation of Soil Heavy Metals for Phytoremediation

Phytoextraction is one of the strategies of phytoremediation, which is a part in remediating heavy metal-polluted soils. This article reviews some methods about how to improve heavy-metal bioavailability in soils for phytoextraction. 1.Plants can secrete some special compounds to chelate or to solublize soil-bound heavy-metals; 2. Some microorganisms or symbionts can enhance plant uptake of heavy-metals; 3. Bioavailability of heavy-metals can be increased by soil amendments, such as chelating agents or acid fertilizers. Reinforced collaboration between scientists from multiple disciplines is encouraged.