ABSTRACT
Phytoremediation can be used to transfer, stabilize, remove, as well as to destroy contaminants present in the soil and groundwater. Various types of phytoremediation mechanisms include biodegradation of rhizosphere, phytostabilization, phytoaccumulation (also called phytoextraction), rhizofiltration, phytovolatilization, phytodegradation, and hydraulic control. Phytoremediation is a low cost and environmental amiable method that could be also utilized to detoxify and decontaminate the mercuric stressed soils. In the present chapter, we have discussed about the current understanding of various phytoremediation arbitrated techniques that could be beneficial regarding remediation of mercury contaminated soils. Further, the focus is also given on the contribution of new transgenic plants with novel genetic attributes in detoxification of mercuric contamination soils.
