Phytoremediation is the use of plants to remove or detoxify environmental contaminants through various mechanisms like phytodegradation, rhizodegradation, and phytoextraction. It effectively addresses both organic and metal contaminants, leveraging the natural abilities of plants to improve soil and water quality. While it is a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing method, its limitations include slow growth rates and the risk of contaminant bioaccumulation in the food chain.