Phytoremediation is a green technology that utilizes plants to remove pollutants from contaminated soil, water, and air. It is a promising and sustainable alternative to traditional remediation methods. This review will explore the patent landscape related to phytoremediation for water pollution. This patent landscaping examined the patent on phytoremediation from PATENTSCOPE (World Intellectual Property Organization database), Scopus Patents, Google Patents, and Lens (a public patent knowledge database). This landscaping reviewed around 190 patent records related to phytoremediation belongs to the International Patent Classification (IPC) C02F class for treatment and removal of pollutants from contaminated water. Out of 190 applications, 142 applications (75%) were granted, while 48 applications (25%) were published and await examinations. The analysis identified emerging innovations, key patent holders, and trends in IPC classifications. Innovative phytoremediation strategies for water pollution include: (1) plant species and genetic modification: engineering plants with improved pollutant uptake, especially for heavy metals or organic compounds; (2) hydroponic and aquatic systems: designing hydroponic tanks and nutrient solutions for effective aquatic plant cultivation methods of pollutant removal; (3) rhizofiltration and phytodegradation: enhancing root-based pollutant absorption and optimizing plant metabolism for pollutant breakdown; (4) combined approaches with bioaugmentation: phytoremediation enhanced by adding beneficial microorganisms; and (5) monitoring and assessment using sensors: utilizing sensors for effective phytoremediation. Additionally, phytoremediation is discussed for addressing the challenges of climate change and achieving sustainable development goals. At last, the policy recommendation is described to significantly enhance the efficiency and applicability of phytoremediation techniques.
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