Evaluation of phytoremediation potential of indigenous plant species from contaminated soils in mining regions of Iran: a comprehensive review.

Mining activities are a major anthropogenic source of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contamination in terrestrial ecosystems. This study evaluates the phytoremediation potential of native vegetation in Iranian mining regions using a dataset of 1,055 plant samples (shoot and root) representing 268 genera and 63 families. Bioconcentration factors (BCF for root and shoot) and translocation factor (TF) were calculated to assess phytoextraction and phytostabilization potential. Several hyperaccumulator species were identified, including Dactylis glomerata for arsenic (As) and iron (Fe), and Stachys byzantina for lead (Pb). Species with high phytoextraction potential (BCF shoot and TF > 1) were mainly associated with Scrophulariaceae (efficient translocation of As, manganese (Mn), selenium (Se)), Malvaceae (enhanced accumulation of zinc (Zn), Mn, Se, molybdenum (Mo)), and Apiaceae (effective extraction of cadmium (Cd) and silver (Ag)). In contrast, phytostabilization (BCF root > 1, TF < 1) was most pronounced in Amaranthaceae (As, Ag, Se, Mo), Tamaricaceae (As, Se, Mo), Asparagaceae, and Hyacinthaceae (Cd, Zn). At the order level, Malvales and Apiales exhibited strong shoot accumulation, whereas Caryophyllales and Asparagales were more effective in root immobilization. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of native vegetation for PTEs phytoextraction and phytostabilization, supporting nature-based rehabilitation strategies for contaminated mining soils in Iran and comparable regions worldwide.