Citric acid-assisted phytoextraction of lead: A field experiment

► Field experiments are fundamental to study the feasibility of phytoextraction. ► Results from a phytoextraction field experiment in a real-life contaminated soil are provided. ► Commercial citrate is an environmentally-friendly and cost effective chelant for phytoextraction. ► Drawbacks for phytoextraction in soils with high Pb concentration are discussed.