Understanding Hyperaccumulation of Zinc in Plants

Abstract

Metal pollution as a result of escalated industrial activities has become a global issue. Accumulation of metals in the environment can induce hazardous impact on human health, reduce plant productivity, and alter microbial community dynamic in soil, owing to nondegradable and toxic nature. Existing metals on earth are either essential or nonessential based on whether needed or not by living being to perform their functions. Although essential metals such as Zn are required, their presence above threshold limit may cause toxicity. In plants, Zn orchestrates various crucial processes like photosynthesis and cell division; however, excess quantity may trigger oxidative stress resulting in cellular damage, disrupt respiration and photosynthesis, abridge nutrient uptake, and alter the structure and functions of enzymes and pigments. The content of Zn in soil, which is the primary site for metal uptake by plants, influences its bioavailability. Employing phytoremediation technique like phytoextraction that involves hyperaccumulator plants could help in alleviating toxicity. Hyperaccumulators recruit various mechanisms to uptake and accumulate excess Zn in aboveground parts, without exhibiting phytotoxicity. Exploring the potential of such plants can sustainably facilitate remediation of contaminated soil and restore their fertility. Furthermore, encompassing research in improving capacity of such plants through integration of new techniques like genetic engineering could pave way for obtaining better outcomes. © 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.