Chromite mining pollution, environmental impact, toxicity and phytoremediation: a review

Chromite mining activities are indispensable for production of goods and services. Sukinda is a major mining site of Odisha, India, polluted by chromium, which is highly toxic in its hexavalent form. The Sukinda valley is a rich source of chromites, amounting to almost 95% of Cr available in India, and is the fourth most polluted site worldwide. Immediate solutions are needed to protect the health of biotic species of this region and their surroundings. Here we review chromite mining in India, impact of chromite pollution on plants and the environment, and phytoremediation of Cr-polluted soils.