Xenobiotic Remediation for Sustainable Urban Development and Ecosystem Resilience

Urban soil and water contamination by xenobiotics is an increasing hazard to ecosystem health and human well-being. Xenobiotics including synthetic chemicals and contaminants from industrial, agricultural, and urban activities are renowned for accumulating in the environment. As urbanization expands, the detrimental impacts of xenobiotics on ecosystems and public health will intensify, making it more necessary than ever to learn about and implement appropriate remediation methods. This review article is focused on diverse categories of xenobiotics, their health impacts, and a range of xenobiotic removal methods from urban soils and water sources. We also explored extensive literature based on established and novel technological and natural approaches, spanning the physical, chemical, and biological sciences. Physicochemical methods including soil cleaning, electrokinetics, and adsorption may decontaminate xenobiotic-contaminated sites. Bioremediation using bacteria and plants degrades and detoxifies several xenobiotics. Advanced oxidation methods can also degrade persistent water pollutants very effectively. Nanoremediation, phytoremediation, and microbial-assisted remediation are some of the emerging technologies that effectively remove persistent pollutants and preserve ecological balance. Nature-based solutions like artificial wetlands and biofiltration can lessen xenobiotic impacts and sustainably increase urban ecosystem services. These methods have been tested in several urban locations. We also explored the hybrid approaches for the removal of xenobiotics and secondary pollution. A combination of techniques may be effective for efficient cleanup thereby promoting sustainable cleanup solutions for urban expansion and safeguarding the environment and residents from emerging contaminants.