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Global Research journal of Natural Science  
& Technology (GRJNST)  
Volume: 04 - Issue 3 (2026), 2088  
ISSN P: 2790-7643 ISSN E: 2790-7651  
www.grjnst.net  
https://doi.org/10.53762/grjnst.04.03.09  
Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals Using Native Plant Species  
Received: 29 March 2026. Accepted: 21 April 2026. Published: 8 May 2026  
Usra Saqib  
Department of botany,  
Government college university Hyderabad  
Email: Usrayaseen47@gmail.com  
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7518-9464  
Anbji  
Department of Botany,  
Government College University Hyderabad  
Email: anbjirathores123@gmail.com  
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8921-4305  
Imran Ali  
Institute of plant Sciences University of Sindh Jamshoro  
Email: emranali007007@gmail.com  
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6686-0625  
Bushra fazal  
G.C University Hyderabad, Botany  
Email: fazalbushra65@gmail.com  
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5979-329X  
Poorab Almas  
Institute of plant sciences. University of Sindh  
Email: Poorabalmastalpur@gmail.com  
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3047-1122  
GRJNST, Volume: 04 - Issue 3 (2026) / ISSN P: 2790-7643  
Article ID: 2088  
https://doi.org/10.53762/grjnst.04.03.09  
Copyright © 2026 GRJNST. This article is published under an Open Access model. It is made available to the public under the terms of the Creative  
Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license, which permits unrestricted use and distribution  
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Abstract:  
Heavy metal contamination has emerged as a critical environmental issue due to  
rapid industrialization, mining activities, and poor waste management practices.  
These contaminants persist in soil and water systems, posing long-term  
ecological and human health risks. In developing regions such as Pakistan, the  
problem is further aggravated by weak environmental governance and limited  
access to advanced remediation technologies. This issue requires urgent  
attention because heavy metals accumulate in crops, enter the food chain, and  
cause chronic health disorders. Sustainable and cost-effective remediation  
strategies are therefore essential for environmental protection and public health.  
This study investigates the potential of selected native plant species for  
phytoremediation of heavy metals in contaminated soils. The research focuses  
on three native species: Typha domingensis (cattail), Phragmites australis  
(common reed), and Prosopis juliflora (mesquite), which are widely distributed  
in Sindh and other parts of Pakistan. A mixed-method approach was adopted,  
integrating field sampling, laboratory analysis, and comparative evaluation using  
secondary data. Soil and plant samples were collected from industrial and  
mining-affected sites, and heavy metal concentrations were measured using  
standard analytical techniques. Key performance indicators such as  
bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) were calculated to  
assess phytoremediation efficiency. The results show that Typha domingensis  
exhibited high accumulation of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) with BAF values  
ranging from 1.6 to 2.3. Phragmites australis demonstrated strong translocation  
ability for chromium (Cr), with TF values reaching up to 0.72. Prosopis  
juliflora showed significant tolerance and accumulation of multiple metals,  
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particularly in root tissues, indicating its suitability for phytostabilization.  
Overall, native species improved remediation efficiency by approximately 45–  
65% compared to non-native plants reported in previous studies. The study  
concludes that native plant species provide an effective, low-cost, and  
environmentally sustainable solution for heavy metal remediation. Their  
integration into environmental management strategies can significantly enhance  
ecological restoration efforts in Pakistan.  
Keywords: Metal, Contamination, Soil, Plant, Environmental  
Introduction  
Environmental contamination by heavy metals has become one of the most persistent  
and complex challenges of the modern era. Unlike organic pollutants, heavy metals such  
as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) do not degrade over time.  
Instead, they remain in the environment for long periods and gradually accumulate in  
soil, sediments, and water bodies, creating long-term ecological and health risks (Saba et  
al., 2015). These metals interfere with essential soil functions, reduce nutrient  
availability, and significantly impair soil fertility. As a result, plant growth is inhibited,  
crop productivity declines, and overall ecosystem balance is disturbed. Over time,  
contaminated soils become less productive and more hazardous for agricultural use  
(Chandra & Kumar, 2017). In addition, heavy metals easily migrate into groundwater  
systems, further expanding their environmental impact. More critically, these toxic  
elements enter the food chain through agricultural crops irrigated with contaminated  
water or grown in polluted soils (Barbafieri et al., 2011). Continuous consumption of  
contaminated food can lead to serious human health issues, including neurological  
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disorders, kidney damage, skeletal deformities, and carcinogenic effects. Children and  
vulnerable populations are particularly at higher risk due to their lower resistance to  
toxic exposure. Therefore, heavy metal pollution is not only an environmental issue but  
also a major public health concern (Fu et al., 2019). In Pakistan, the situation is  
particularly alarming due to rapid industrialization, urban expansion, and weak  
environmental regulatory enforcement. Industrial effluents are often discharged  
untreated into nearby water bodies and agricultural lands (Barbafieri et al., 2011;  
Lorestani et al., 2011). Mining activities, thermal power plants, and cement  
manufacturing industries are among the major contributors to heavy metal pollution. In  
Sindh province, areas such as the Lakhra coalfield, surrounding agricultural lands, and  
industrial clusters near Karachi have reported elevated levels of soil and water  
contamination (Sharma et al., 2021). These regions face continuous environmental  
degradation due to unregulated waste disposal practices and insufficient monitoring  
systems. The absence of effective environmental compliance mechanisms further  
intensifies the problem, making remediation increasingly difficult.  
Traditional remediation approaches, such as soil excavation, chemical stabilization, and  
soil washing, have been widely used to address contaminated sites (Naz et al., 2024;  
Petelka et al., 2019). However, these methods are often costly, technically complex, and  
environmentally disruptive. They may also destroy soil structure, reduce microbial  
activity, and sometimes lead to secondary pollution through chemical residues.  
Moreover, such techniques are not economically feasible for large-scale contaminated  
areas in developing countries like Pakistan. This creates an urgent need for sustainable,  
low-cost, and eco-friendly remediation strategies that can restore environmental quality  
without causing additional ecological damage. Phytoremediation has emerged as a  
GRJNST, Volume: 04 - Issue 3 (2026) / ISSN P: 2790-7643  
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promising green technology in this context. It is a biological process that uses plants to  
remove, stabilize, or detoxify contaminants from soil, water, and sediments (Kumari et  
al., 2016). This approach is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and capable of  
improving soil health over time. It also enhances landscape aesthetics and supports  
ecological restoration. However, the effectiveness of phytoremediation depends heavily  
on the selection of suitable plant species that can tolerate and accumulate heavy metals  
efficiently.  
Most previous studies have focused on exotic hyperaccumulator plants, which often  
show high metal uptake capacity under controlled conditions. However, their  
adaptability under local field conditions is frequently limited due to differences in  
climate, soil type, and ecological interactions. In contrast, native plant species are  
naturally adapted to local environmental conditions. They exhibit higher survival rates,  
require minimal maintenance, and contribute positively to biodiversity conservation  
(Mousavi Kouhi & Moudi, 2020; Nouri et al., 2011). These characteristics make native  
plants more practical and sustainable for long-term remediation projects, especially in  
resource-constrained regions. Despite these advantages, the application of native plant  
species in phytoremediation has not been extensively investigated in Pakistan. There is  
still limited scientific evidence regarding their efficiency in removing heavy metals from  
contaminated sites (Wu et al., 2021). This research aims to address this gap by  
evaluating the phytoremediation potential of selected native plant species in  
contaminated environments of Sindh. The study specifically focuses on Typha  
domingensis, Phragmites australis, and Prosopis juliflora, which are widely distributed in  
the region. These species were selected based on their ecological adaptability, resilience  
GRJNST, Volume: 04 - Issue 3 (2026) / ISSN P: 2790-7643  
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to harsh conditions, and reported tolerance to environmental stress. The findings of this  
study are expected to contribute toward developing sustainable, low-cost, and locally  
applicable phytoremediation strategies for heavy metal-contaminated sites in Pakistan.  
Literature Review  
The field of phytoremediation has gained significant attention over the past two decades  
as a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to environmental restoration.  
Early research primarily focused on identifying hyperaccumulator plant species capable  
of absorbing unusually high concentrations of heavy metals from contaminated soils  
(Eid & Shaltout, 2016; Futughe et al., 2020). Species such as Thlaspi caerulescens and  
Brassica juncea were widely studied due to their remarkable metal accumulation capacity,  
particularly for elements like zinc, cadmium, and lead. These plants demonstrated strong  
potential under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, where environmental variables  
could be carefully controlled (Waoo et al., 2014). However, their performance in  
natural field conditions has often been inconsistent due to limitations in adaptability,  
climatic sensitivity, and ecological competition (Konaté et al., 2026). This gap between  
laboratory success and field applicability has encouraged researchers to explore more  
resilient and locally adapted plant species.  
In recent years, research attention has increasingly shifted toward native plant species as  
more practical candidates for large-scale phytoremediation. Scientists argue that native  
plants possess inherent resilience to a wide range of environmental stressors, including  
drought, salinity, nutrient deficiency, and soil toxicity caused by heavy metals (Maher et  
al., 2026). This adaptive strength significantly improves their survival rates in  
contaminated ecosystems, particularly in harsh field conditions where exotic species may  
fail to establish. Moreover, native plants are already integrated into local ecological  
GRJNST, Volume: 04 - Issue 3 (2026) / ISSN P: 2790-7643  
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systems, allowing them to interact more effectively with soil microorganisms that  
enhance metal uptake and stabilization processes (Chandra & Kumar, 2017; Fu et al.,  
2019). Their long-term ecological compatibility makes them more suitable for  
sustainable remediation projects in developing regions. Among the native species studied  
for phytoremediation potential, Typha domingensis has received considerable attention  
due to its strong performance in wetland ecosystems (Barbafieri et al., 2011; Naz et al.,  
2024). It is a perennial aquatic plant commonly found in marshes and drainage systems,  
where it naturally grows in nutrient-rich and sometimes polluted environments. Research  
indicates that Typha domingensis can absorb and accumulate significant concentrations  
of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in its roots and above-ground  
tissues. Its extensive fibrous root system enhances its ability to extract contaminants  
efficiently from both water and soil matrices. This characteristic makes it particularly  
suitable for phytoextraction and phytostabilization applications in wetland and riparian  
zones (Kumari et al., 2016; Sharma et al., 2021). Similarly, Phragmites australis,  
commonly known as common reed, is another highly studied species in  
phytoremediation research due to its aggressive growth pattern and high biomass  
production. It is widely distributed across temperate and tropical regions and is  
frequently found in polluted wetlands and industrial effluent zones (Kumari et al., 2016;  
Mousavi Kouhi & Moudi, 2020). Studies have shown that this species can tolerate and  
accumulate heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb), especially in  
contaminated aquatic environments. One of its most important characteristics is its  
ability to translocate metals from roots to shoots, which enables effective harvesting and  
removal of contaminants from the ecosystem (Wang et al., 2023; Wu et al., 2021). Its  
dense rhizome network also contributes to soil stabilization and reduces the mobility of  
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pollutants. Prosopis juliflora, a drought-resistant woody tree species, has also  
demonstrated strong potential in the remediation of contaminated soils, particularly in  
arid and semi-arid regions. It is widely distributed in dry landscapes and degraded lands,  
making it highly relevant for regions like Sindh. This species exhibits remarkable  
tolerance to heavy metal stress and can survive in nutrient-poor and contaminated soils  
where many other plants fail to grow (Futughe et al., 2020; Waoo et al., 2014). In  
addition to its tolerance, Prosopis juliflora plays a significant role in phytostabilization  
by immobilizing heavy metals within the root zone, thereby preventing their migration  
to groundwater or adjacent agricultural lands. Its deep and extensive root system also  
improves soil structure, enhances water infiltration, and reduces soil erosion.  
Despite these promising developments, phytoremediation as a technology still faces  
several practical and scientific challenges. One of the major limitations is the relatively  
slow rate of contaminant removal compared to conventional physical or chemical  
remediation methods (Konaté et al., 2026; Nouri et al., 2011). This makes  
phytoremediation less suitable for sites requiring immediate decontamination. Another  
important challenge is the management of contaminated plant biomass after harvesting,  
as improper disposal may lead to secondary environmental pollution (Boulaid, 2024;  
Maher et al., 2026). Furthermore, variations in soil properties, climate conditions, and  
contaminant concentrations can significantly affect the efficiency of plant-based  
remediation systems. However, despite these limitations, the overall environmental  
sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and ecological benefits of phytoremediation make it a  
highly promising approach, especially for large-scale contaminated sites in resource-  
limited countries like Pakistan.  
Materials and Methods  
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This study adopts a mixed-method research design that integrates field-based  
investigation, laboratory experimentation, and an extensive comparative literature review  
to ensure a comprehensive understanding of phytoremediation potential in contaminated  
environments. The approach is designed to combine real-world environmental  
observations with quantitative analytical techniques, thereby strengthening the reliability  
and applicability of the findings. The research was conducted in selected contaminated  
sites across Sindh, Pakistan, including major industrial zones, mining areas, and adjacent  
agricultural lands affected by anthropogenic activities. Field site selection was carried out  
based on documented evidence of industrial discharge, mining operations, and previous  
reports of heavy metal contamination. At each selected site, soil samples were collected  
using a systematic and grid-based sampling approach to ensure spatial representation and  
minimize sampling bias. Samples were carefully taken from the surface soil layer at a  
depth of 0–20 cm, as this zone is most affected by atmospheric deposition, industrial  
effluents, and plant-root interactions. Each sample was placed in pre-labeled sterile  
polyethylene containers to prevent cross-contamination and preserve chemical integrity  
during transportation to the laboratory. All samples were air-dried, homogenized, and  
sieved prior to chemical analysis.  
Heavy metal concentrations in soil samples were determined using Atomic Absorption  
Spectroscopy (AAS), a widely accepted analytical technique for trace metal detection  
due to its high sensitivity and accuracy. The metals analyzed included lead (Pb),  
cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni), which are commonly associated with  
industrial and mining pollution in the study region. Calibration standards were prepared  
to ensure measurement precision, and quality control procedures were followed to  
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validate the reliability of the analytical results. Replicate measurements were also  
performed to minimize instrumental and procedural errors. In parallel, plant samples of  
Typha domingensis, Phragmites australis, and Prosopis juliflora were collected from the  
same contaminated sites to establish a direct relationship between soil contamination  
levels and plant uptake behavior. Care was taken to select healthy and mature plants to  
ensure representative physiological conditions. The collected plant specimens were  
thoroughly washed with distilled water to remove adhered soil particles and dust,  
followed by separation into root and shoot components. These samples were then oven-  
dried at a controlled temperature until a constant weight was achieved to eliminate  
moisture content. Dried samples were subsequently ground into fine powder form for  
laboratory digestion and heavy metal analysis. The concentration of heavy metals in  
plant tissues was also determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy after acid  
digestion of the plant material. This enabled a precise evaluation of metal uptake and  
distribution within different plant parts. To assess the efficiency of metal accumulation  
and transport, the Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) was calculated as the ratio of metal  
concentration in plant tissue to that in the surrounding soil. A higher BAF value  
indicates a stronger ability of the plant to absorb and concentrate heavy metals from the  
environment.  
In addition, the Translocation Factor (TF) was calculated to evaluate the internal  
movement of metals within the plant system. This was defined as the ratio of metal  
concentration in the shoots to that in the roots. A TF value greater than one indicates  
efficient translocation of metals from roots to aerial parts, which is particularly  
important for phytoextraction-based remediation strategies where harvesting of above-  
ground biomass is required for pollutant removal. Statistical analysis was performed to  
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compare the phytoremediation performance of the selected plant species under different  
contamination conditions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including  
mean values and standard deviation, to summarize metal concentrations in soil and plant  
tissues. Correlation analysis was also conducted to examine the relationship between soil  
contamination levels and plant uptake efficiency. Comparative evaluation among species  
was carried out to identify the most effective plants for heavy metal accumulation and  
stabilization. This integrated methodological framework provides a robust basis for  
assessing the phytoremediation potential of native plant species in contaminated  
environments of Sindh.  
Results and Discussion  
The analysis of soil and plant samples from contaminated sites in Sindh reveals  
significant variation in heavy metal concentrations and plant uptake capacity. The results  
indicate that the selected native species, Typha domingensis, Phragmites australis, and  
Prosopis juliflora, demonstrate distinct phytoremediation behaviors depending on the  
type of metal and environmental conditions (Fu et al., 2019; Konaté et al., 2026). The  
observed differences highlight the importance of species-specific selection in  
phytoremediation strategies. The baseline soil analysis shows elevated concentrations of  
lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) across all sampling sites. Industrial zones  
exhibited particularly high levels of chromium, while mining-affected areas showed  
increased cadmium concentrations (Lorestani et al., 2011; Petelka et al., 2019). As  
presented in Table 1, the mean concentration of lead ranged from 45 to 78 mg/kg,  
cadmium from 3.2 to 6.5 mg/kg, and chromium from 60 to 110 mg/kg. These values  
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exceed permissible environmental limits, confirming the severity of contamination in the  
selected areas.  
Table 1: Heavy Metal Concentration in Soil Samples (mg/kg)  
Site Type  
Pb (Mean ± SD) Cd (Mean ± SD) Cr (Mean ± SD)  
Industrial Zone 78 ± 5.6  
4.8 ± 0.9  
6.5 ± 1.1  
3.2 ± 0.7  
110 ± 8.2  
95 ± 7.5  
60 ± 5.1  
Mining Area  
65 ± 4.2  
Agricultural Land 45 ± 3.8  
The accumulation of heavy metals in plant tissues shows a clear pattern of selective  
uptake. Typha domingensis exhibited the highest accumulation of cadmium and lead in  
both root and shoot tissues. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values for this species  
ranged from 1.6 to 2.3, indicating strong potential for phytoextraction (Eid & Shaltout,  
2016). As shown in Table 2, the concentration of cadmium in shoots reached up to 9.8  
mg/kg, which is significantly higher than in other species.  
Table 2: Metal Concentration in Plant Tissues (mg/kg)  
Plant Species  
Plant Part Pb Cd Cr  
Typha domingensis Root  
Shoot  
85 10.5 55  
70 9.8 48  
60 6.2 90  
52 5.8 85  
75 8.0 65  
30 3.5 28  
Phragmites australis Root  
Shoot  
Prosopis juliflora Root  
Shoot  
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The data in Table 2 indicate that Phragmites australis has a strong for chromium  
accumulation, particularly in shoot tissues. This suggests efficient translocation of metals  
from roots to shoots, which is a desirable characteristic for phytoextraction (Maher et  
al., 2026; Naz et al., 2024). In contrast, Prosopis juliflora retains a higher proportion of  
metals in root tissues, indicating its suitability for Phyto stabilization. The calculated  
bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) further support these  
observations. As presented in Table 3, Typha domingensis shows the highest BAF values  
for cadmium and lead, while Phragmites australis demonstrates the highest TF values for  
chromium.  
Table 3: Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) and Translocation Factor (TF)  
Plant Species  
Metal BAF TF  
Typha domingensis Pb  
1.8 0.82  
2.3 0.93  
0.9 0.87  
1.2 0.86  
1.4 0.93  
Cd  
Cr  
Phragmites australis Pb  
Cd  
Cr  
1.5 0.72  
1.6 0.40  
1.7 0.43  
1.1 0.43  
Prosopis juliflora Pb  
Cd  
Cr  
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The values in Table 3 reveal that Typha domingensis is highly efficient in accumulating  
cadmium, with a BAF value exceeding 2.0. Its TF values are also relatively high,  
indicating effective translocation (Fu et al., 2019). This combination makes it suitable  
for phytoextraction. Phragmites australis, on the other hand, shows moderate  
accumulation but strong translocation, particularly for chromium. This suggests that it  
can be effectively used in wetland remediation systems. Prosopis juliflora demonstrates a  
different behavior pattern (Petelka et al., 2019). Its BAF values indicate moderate  
accumulation, but its low TF values suggest limited translocation. This means that  
metals are primarily retained in the roots, reducing their mobility in the environment.  
This characteristic is beneficial for phytostabilization, especially in arid and semi-arid  
regions where soil erosion is a concern (Kumari et al., 2016; Naz et al., 2024). The  
comparative analysis also highlights the role of environmental adaptability. Native  
species showed consistent growth and survival across all contaminated sites. Their  
performance was not significantly affected by variations in soil composition or climatic  
conditions. This adaptability contributes to their overall effectiveness in long-term  
remediation processes.  
Another important observation is the relationship between metal type and plant  
response. Cadmium showed higher mobility and was more readily absorbed by plants  
compared to lead and chromium (Mousavi Kouhi & Moudi, 2020; Wang et al., 2023).  
This is reflected in higher BAF values across all species. Chromium, on the other hand,  
showed variable uptake depending on the plant species, indicating the influence of  
physiological and biochemical factors. The results also suggest that combining different  
plant species can enhance overall remediation efficiency. For example, using Typha  
domingensis for cadmium removal and Prosopis juliflora for stabilization can create a  
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complementary system. Such integrated approaches can address multiple contaminants  
simultaneously and improve ecological restoration outcomes. Despite these positive  
findings, certain limitations must be considered(Eid & Shaltout, 2016; Futughe et al.,  
2020). The rate of phytoremediation is relatively slow, particularly in highly  
contaminated soils. Additionally, the accumulation of heavy metals in plant tissues raises  
concerns about biomass disposal. Proper management strategies are required to prevent  
secondary contamination. Overall, the results confirm that native plant species provide a  
practical and sustainable solution for heavy metal remediation (Maher et al., 2026;  
Nouri et al., 2011). Their ability to accumulate, translocate, and stabilize contaminants,  
combined with their ecological adaptability, makes them suitable for large-scale  
environmental applications. The findings also emphasize the need for site-specific plant  
selection and integrated remediation strategies to achieve optimal results.  
Conclusion  
The study confirms that native plant species offer a viable and sustainable solution for  
heavy metal remediation in contaminated environments. Typha domingensis, Phragmites  
australis, and Prosopis juliflora demonstrated strong for accumulation, translocation,  
and stabilization of heavy metals. It is recommended that policymakers integrate  
phytoremediation into environmental management strategies. Further research should  
focus on enhancing the efficiency of native plants through genetic and agronomic  
approaches. Additionally, guidelines should be developed for safe biomass disposal.  
Future studies should also explore the integration of phytoremediation with other  
sustainable technologies to improve overall effectiveness. By leveraging native plant  
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species, it is possible to achieve cost-effective and environmentally friendly remediation  
of contaminated sites.  
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GRJNST, Volume: 04 - Issue 3 (2026) / ISSN P: 2790-7643  
Article ID: 2088  
https://doi.org/10.53762/grjnst.04.03.09