Phytoremediation efficiency of Noccaea caerulescens under elevated CO₂ and temperature conditions

With industrialization and population growth, the greenhouse effect is intensifying, and atmospheric CO₂ levels and regional temperatures are key indicators influencing plant growth and phytoremediation. This study investigates the responses of Noccaea caerulescens to elevated CO₂ (550 ppm, predicted for 2050), increased temperature (3 °C rise), at elevated CO₂, the plant's dry weight increased by 25%, and metal uptake, including Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn, showed significant improvement compared to ambient conditions. In contrast, temperature rise reduced growth and metal uptake, decreasing phytoremediation efficiency for Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn by 81%, 72%, 80%, and 84%, respectively. However, the combined effect of elevated CO₂ and temperature resulted in a 44-58% increase in remediation efficiency for these metals, reducing soluble Cu and Pb content in the soil. Additionally, the dual treatment decreased malondialdehyde content by 30% in roots and shoots, suggesting that the synergistic effect of CO₂ and temperature alleviates oxidative stress. These findings highlight that the greenhouse effect can enhance the phytoremediation efficiency of N. caerulescens, offering valuable insights for future environmental management and soil decontamination strategies. This study emphasizes the potential for optimizing phytoremediation under future climate change scenarios to improve soil restoration techniques and promote environmental sustainability.