Nature-based solution for polluted landscapes: integrating ecological indicators and phytoremediation for sustainable environmental management

Understanding how polluted ecosystems self-regulate in response to contamination is important for developing nature based solutions for environmental management. However, plant species identification with the highest role in environmental management remains a major challenge. This study applies ecological principles to identify and assess plant indicators for environmental management in lead-zinc and manganese mining polluted ecosystems. A total of 234 plant species were recorded, of which key indicator species were identified using Indicator Species Analysis (ISA) and validated through Generalized Linear Models (GLM). Macaranga pustulata, Leucosceptrum canum, and Hypoestes triflora were identified as key indicators in lead-zinc and Morus macroura, Woodfordia fruticosa, and Eremochloa ciliaris in manganese polluted environments. Phytoremediation assessments showed that H. triflora hyperaccumulates Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni and E. ciliaris accumulates Cr, Cu, Cd and Ni (BCF, TF and BAC values >1). Macaranga pustulata, M. macroura and W. fruticosa demonstrated strong phyto-stabilization potential against different heavy metals. These results were further validated by Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) which comprehend a significant relationship between heavy metal pollution and plant bioaccumulation traits. This study presents a systematic ecological approach for appropriate plants selection for environmental management and recommends the integration of these indicator species into restoration and sustainability programs.