The role of halophytic plants in phytotoxification of soils contaminated with heavy metals and salts: global experience and opportunities for Kazakhstan

Authors

  • Asanali Kabdulmazhituly L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6725-7845
  • Zhanar Rakhymzhan L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University Author
  • Rumiya Tazitdinova L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32523/c1c0kp74

Keywords:

soil salinization, heavy metals, halophytic plants, phytoremediation, Salicornia europaea

Abstract

Soil salinization and pollution with heavy metals are among the main environmental factors that lead to the degradation of land resources at the present stage. These phenomena are especially widespread in arid and semi-arid regions, causing a decrease in agricultural productivity, a violation of the physico-chemical properties of soils and a weakening of the stability of ecosystems. In arid climates, salinization and man-made pollution are often observed simultaneously, significantly limiting the processes of natural soil self-restoration. In this regard, the search for environmentally safe and long-term recovery approaches is becoming increasingly urgent. This review-study examined in detail the role of halophytic plants in phytoremediation of soils contaminated with salinized and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu). Especially the ability of Salicornia europaea, Suaeda, Atriplex and other halophyte species to accumulate salt ions and heavy metals was analyzed at the physiological and molecular level. The results of world studies were compared with the data on the territory of Kazakhstan, and environmental and geochemical factors affecting the effectiveness of phytoremediation were identified. The results of the study showed that halophytic plants can reduce the bioavailability and mobile forms of heavy metals, in addition to reducing the level of salinity in complex polluted soils. In the conditions of Kazakhstan, the use of halophytes is a promising direction in terms of restoring degraded lands, increasing ecosystem stability and managing environmental risks. The conclusions obtained allow the practical application of phytoremediation as a natural-oriented and scientifically based solution. The development of this direction is important for the rational use of land resources, ensuring environmental safety and the formation of sustainable agroecosystems.

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Author Biographies

  • Asanali Kabdulmazhituly, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University

    Kabdulmazhituly Asanali, doctoral student, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, 13 Kazhymukan St., Astana, Kazakhstan, 010000; e-mail: akabdulmazhituly@bk.ru, https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6725-7845

  • Zhanar Rakhymzhan, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University

    Rakhymzhan Zhanar, Acting Associate Professor of the Department of Environmental Management and Engineering, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, 13 Kazhymukan St., Astana, Kazakhstan, 010000; e-mail: r.zhanar80@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0794-906X

  • Rumiya Tazitdinova, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University

    Tazitdinova Rumiya Maratovna, Head of the Department of Environmental Management and Engineering, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, 13 Kazhymukan St., Astana, Kazakhstan, 010000; e-mail: tazitdinova_rm@enu.kz, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0388-1678

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Том 153, № 1 (2025)

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2025-12-29

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Vol. 153 No. 1 (2025)

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Copyright (c) 2025 Асанали Кабдулмажитулы, Жанар Рахымжан, Румия Тазитдинова (Автор)

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The role of halophytic plants in phytotoxification of soils contaminated with heavy metals and salts: global experience and opportunities for Kazakhstan. (2025). Journal of Ecology and Sustainability, 153(1). https://doi.org/10.32523/c1c0kp74