Native Cerrado plants and possibilities in phytoremediation

Abstract

Some activities developed by humans can release contaminants which are hazardous to human health and other life forms such as animals and plants. Thus, some process can remedy undesirable situations and if this process occurs through a biological agent, it is called bioremediation. The bioremediation that occurs through vegetal community is known as phytoremediation and may be sub classified into several others categories. In Brazil the research on phytoremediation are mainly focused on herbicides and some metals. The ability of plants to remedy these elements is related with physiological aspects which are not yet well elucidated and which vary from specie to specie. In the second largest biome in Brazil, Cerrado (Brazilian savannah), plants have developed adaptations to an environment with extremely nutrient-poor, acid soil and with high levels of aluminum soil. Study this biome’s plants for phytoremediation is a promising field. The aim of this study was, through a bibliography revision, to investigate and list papers that approached native Cerrado plants and their potential on phytoremediation. However, despite of the few research with native plants from Cerrado as phytoremediators, the results found in these studies are positive, which highlights the need to investigate the native plants of Cerrado and its potential as phytoremediator.