Combining phytoextraction and ecocatalysis: a novel concept for greener chemistry, an opportunity for remediation

Abstract : Groundbreaking innovaƟon In Green Chemistry Scientific evidence shows that ecosystems are under unprecedented pressure, threatening prospects for sustainable development. The long history of mining operations has led to the accumulation of trace elements (TE) in the environment. Metal releasing is estimated to be 22,000 tons of cadmium, 939,000 tons of copper, 783,000 tons of lead and 1,350,000 tons of zinc in the environment for the period of 1950-2000. The problem is extremely important for different reasons: soils, floodplains, fields and rivers are contaminated. Environmental issues are inevitably following health issues when human population end up being exposed to heavy metal