Exploring the Potential of Halophytes for Bioremediation of Salt-Affected Soils: A Review

Soil degradation is caused by high salinity and is widespread in arid and semiarid regions, negatively impacting agricultural production. However, halophytes, which are plants and microbes that can tolerate high salt concentrations, show great potential in addressing this issue through bioremediation. This review aims to discuss the role of halophytic plants, agroforestry systems, and soil microbes in bioremediation. The potential of halophytes in the removal of heavy metals and the remediation of coastal saline lands are also briefly discussed. Macrohalophytes such as trees, shrubs, and grasses have been used in phytoremediation and desalination. Silvopastoral, agri-silvicultural, and fruit-based systems, agroforestry systems, as well as energy plantations, offer potential solutions for mitigating soil salinity. Halophyte-based bioremediation has shown promise in effectively removing heavy metals and excess salt from salt-affected soils, a sustainable and cost-effective approach for saline lands. Studies have demonstrated that microorganisms, such as halophilic bacteria, cyanobacteria, salt-tolerant fungi, AM fungi, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, are also effective in mitigating salinity. The successful implementation of halophyte-based bioremediation strategies necessitates the selection of appropriate halophyte species, optimization of growth conditions, and cost-effective solutions.