AbstractThis study investigates the potential of Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) enhanced with green-synthesized zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals, specifically lead (Pb) and copper (Cu). ZnNPs were synthesized using Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) leaf extract through an eco-friendly, cost-effective method and characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR and SEM, confirming their nanoscale size and stability. A pot experiment was conducted with four treatment groups: untreated soil (NM), heavy metal-contaminated soil (HM), HM soil treated with ZnNPs (Tl) and HM soil treated with commercial zinc fertilizer (T2). Results indicated that ZnNP treatment (Tl) significantly improved germination, plant height, leaf number, chlorophyll content and reproductive traits while also enhancing Pb and Cu uptake, outperforming both HM and T2 treatments. The findings demonstrate that ZnNPs boost both plant growth and phytoextraction efficiency under metal stress, likely by enhancing antioxidant activity and metal bioavailability. This study presents nano-phytoremediation using ZnNPs and B. juncea as a promising, sustainable strategy for remediating metal-polluted soils. Future research should explore field applications, optimize nanoparticle dosage and assess long-term ecological impacts.
Agarwal et al. (Wed,) studied this question.