Towards a Standardized Design Framework for Phytoremediation of contaminants in water: Bridging Research and Policy-Driven Applications

Phytoremediation is recognized as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable approach for mitigating contamination in soil and water systems by utilizing plants and their associated microbial communities to absorb, degrade, or immobilize pollutants. This study systematically reviews over 100 peer-reviewed publications and case studies to identify and quantify key factors influencing phytoremediation efficiency, including pollutant bioavailability, chemical speciation, contaminant concentrations (ranging from trace levels to >100 mg/L), hydraulic retention times, temperature ranges (10–35°C), and plant species suitability. Special attention is given to the lack of standardized operational frameworks, which hinders consistent implementation and cross-site performance comparability. The paper proposes a conceptual framework for designing phytoremediation systems, supported by performance metrics such as pollutant removal efficiency (e.g., >70% for certain heavy metals) and biomass uptake capacity. Additionally, the study analyzes policy gaps in existing environmental regulations and highlights opportunities for integrating phytoremediation into national remediation strategies, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Practical recommendations are offered for policymakers, including the establishment of technical guidelines, regulatory benchmarks, and post-treatment biomass handling protocols. This work advocates for a multi-stakeholder, data-driven approach that links scientific research, regulatory planning, and community involvement to accelerate the responsible deployment of phytoremediation technologies. Overall, the findings reinforce phytoremediation’s role as a quantifiable and scalable solution for environmental restoration, public health protection, and achievement of sustainability goals.