Abstract
Heavy metal pollution poses a significant global environmental challenge, affecting the ecosystem and the health of humans due to different industrial and anthropogenic activities. Traditional remediation methods are ineffective, expensive, and causes secondary pollution. This chapter discusses how hydrophytes, and aquatic plants can be used to provide a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for heavy metal remediation. We explore the variances on how hydrophytes absorb, accumulate and detoxify heavy metals released into water, including phytoextraction, phytostabilization, and rhizofiltration. In addition to what they do in terms of remediation, the chapter points out the importance of integrating the use of hydrophyte-based systems with the philosophy of circular economy.