Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to a significant increase in wastewater generation, presenting a critical environmental challenge. Traditional wastewater treatment methods often fail to remove contaminants, especially recalcitrant organic compounds and heavy metals. In recent years, bioremediation using hydroponics has emerged as a promising and sustainable approach to tackle wastewater pollution. Hydroponics, a soilless cultivation technique, involves the growth of plants in nutrient-rich water solutions. This method offers several advantages for wastewater treatment, such as enhanced nutrient uptake, efficient water utilization, and minimal land requirements. The plant roots act as a natural filter, facilitating the removal of pollutants through adsorption, precipitation, and microbial degradation. The success of hydroponic systems for wastewater bioremediation relies on carefully selecting plant species and optimizing various factors, including pH, temperature, nutrient concentration, and hydraulic retention time. Certain plant species, known as hyperaccumulators, can accumulate high levels of heavy metals, thereby aiding in their removal from contaminated water. Integrating hydroponics with advanced technologies, such as biofilm reactors and microbial fuel cells, can further enhance the treatment efficiency and promote the conversion of pollutants into valuable resources. These combined approaches facilitate the removal of organic contaminants through plant–microbe interactions, enzymatic reactions, and microbial transformations. Implementing hydroponic systems for wastewater bioremediation helps purify water and offers additional benefits, including biomass production, carbon sequestration, and aesthetic improvement. Furthermore, this approach promotes the reuse of treated water for various non-potable applications, conserving freshwater resources and contributing to a circular economy. Bioremediation of wastewater using hydroponics represents a promising and sustainable solution to address growing water pollution concerns. This approach combines the natural abilities of plants and microorganisms, providing an efficient and eco-friendly method for wastewater treatment. Future research efforts should focus on optimizing system design and plant selection and exploring the potential for scaling up these systems to meet the demands of large-scale applications.
