How do initial concentrations, metal(loid)s types, and pH drive sustainable dendroremediation?

Abstract Woody plants have significant yet under evaluated potential for metal(loid)s (HMs) phytoremediation. The meta-analysis of 2,766 observations from 243 studies assessed 117 woody genera across 10 HMs (antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn)) across potted, hydroponic, field, and sterile conditions. HMs exposure reduced plant biomass by 18.7 − 34.2%, with roots most affected (-24.9%). Antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) activities were increased by 100–200% to mitigate oxidative stress. Gardenia and Platycladus tolerated HMs (TI > 1), Cinnamomum and Ficus accumulated them efficiently (BCF > 1), while Albizia and Populus excelled in HMs extraction (TF > 1). Targeted remediation candidates include Ulmus (Cd), Platycladus (Pb), Tamarix (Zn), and Salix (Zn, Cu, Sb). HMs accumulation correlated with pH, contamination levels, and speciation. Future research should focus on dynamic translocation metrics, field simulation, and biochar-microbe synergies for enhanced HMs immobilization. This framework supports precise species selection for sustainable dendroremediation for mining sites and brown field.