Assessing phytoremediation strategies for gold mine tailings: a bibliometric and systemic review

This study evaluates the effectiveness of phytoremediation strategies in mitigating the environmental impacts of gold mine tailings through a bibliometric and systematic review. Utilizing the PRISMA methodology, 45 primary research articles were selected and analyzed, highlighting key rends and insights in phytoremediation research. The review spans over two decades of research, with a notable annual growth rate of 2.81% and significant contributions from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Africa. Key findings emphasize the variability in phytoremediation success based on plant species, site conditions, and remediation techniques. Prominent plants identified include vetiver grass, Siam weed, and water hyacinth, which demonstrate significant potential in heavy metal uptake and soil stabilization. The study also underscores the importance of optimizing plant–microbe interactions and employing site-specific approaches to enhance remediation efficiency. Future research opportunities are identified, focusing on genetic engineering of plants, field trials, and integration of advanced monitoring technologies. Overall, this comprehensive review highlights the promising potential of phytoremediation as a sustainable and effective strategy for managing gold mine tailings, advocating for continued research and policy support to advance this green technology in environmental management.