Glomalin in phytoremediation: bibliometric insights, advances, and mechanisms for heavy metal sequestration in...

Heavy metal (HM) contamination, primarily derived from anthropogenic activities, poses a threat to ecosystems and a risk to food security and human health due to their toxic nature and potential for mobilization between environmental compartments. Phytoremediation is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly strategy for the remediation of HM-contaminated soils that can be facilitated by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). A key mechanism in this process involves glomalin, a glycoprotein produced by AMF, which plays a crucial role in stabilizing and sequestering HM in the soil. This review combines a bibliometric analysis identifying trends in scientific interest in glomalin-assisted phytoremediation with an evaluation of the current knowledge on HM sequestration in soils by glomalin, methodological aspects, and potential mechanisms involved. The reviewed information could be valuable for advancing future research and developing successful practices for remediating sites affected by toxic element pollution, addressing a global environmental contamination issue, and contributing to relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).