Efficient utilization of plant biomass after harvesting the phytoremediator plants

Abstract Phytoremediation is an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach for controlling environmental pollution. However, biomass produced during the phytoremediation process, if left unattended, can recontaminate the environment leading to secondary pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to utilize and manage biomass efficiently after harvesting phytoremediator plants. Phytoremediation programs using bioenergy crops, medicinal, aromatic, ornamental plants, and metal hyperaccumulators can be used for the production of bioenergy, decorative material, timber, medicinal and aromatic compounds and recovery of valuable metals and hence can provide enhanced financial opportunity. Using high biomass producing plants advantageous because, in addition to cleaning up contaminated sites and potentially getting valuable compounds, the contaminated residual biomass can be utilized for bioenergy production. Thus, integrating phytoremediation with valuable material and bioenergy production can make the process economically viable.