Heavy metal polluted soils are a growing environmental concern due to increased geological and anthropogenic activities. These soils negatively affect plant growth, performance, and yield, leading to food insecurity. Bioremediation, a biological method, is an effective and environmentally friendly approach for treating heavy metal polluted soils. It is particularly suitable for re-establishing crops on treated soils. Bioremediation can be achieved through microorganisms, plants, or a combination of both. Plants, especially hyperaccumulators, are commonly used for phytoextraction, which involves accumulating heavy metals in plant tissues. However, the use of hyperaccumulators can lead to contamination of the food chain. Other methods include phytostabilization, which reduces metal bioavailability, and phytovolatilization, which transforms metals into volatile forms for removal. Combining plants and microorganisms enhances bioremediation efficiency. Mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are effective in improving plant growth and metal uptake. Despite its benefits, bioremediation faces challenges such as high costs, time constraints, and potential environmental impacts. Genetic engineering of plants for heavy metal detoxification is also explored but raises regulatory concerns. Overall, bioremediation is a promising approach for cleaning up heavy metal polluted soils, with ongoing research needed to optimize its effectiveness.Heavy metal polluted soils are a growing environmental concern due to increased geological and anthropogenic activities. These soils negatively affect plant growth, performance, and yield, leading to food insecurity. Bioremediation, a biological method, is an effective and environmentally friendly approach for treating heavy metal polluted soils. It is particularly suitable for re-establishing crops on treated soils. Bioremediation can be achieved through microorganisms, plants, or a combination of both. Plants, especially hyperaccumulators, are commonly used for phytoextraction, which involves accumulating heavy metals in plant tissues. However, the use of hyperaccumulators can lead to contamination of the food chain. Other methods include phytostabilization, which reduces metal bioavailability, and phytovolatilization, which transforms metals into volatile forms for removal. Combining plants and microorganisms enhances bioremediation efficiency. Mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are effective in improving plant growth and metal uptake. Despite its benefits, bioremediation faces challenges such as high costs, time constraints, and potential environmental impacts. Genetic engineering of plants for heavy metal detoxification is also explored but raises regulatory concerns. Overall, bioremediation is a promising approach for cleaning up heavy metal polluted soils, with ongoing research needed to optimize its effectiveness.