Phytoremediation is a method that uses plants to clean up contaminated soils by transforming toxic substances into less harmful forms. Plants can break down pollutants through various processes like phytotransformation, phytodegradation, and phytovolatilization. The roots of plants release compounds that support microorganisms, leading to better detoxification in the soil. This cost-effective technology can remove a wide range of harmful chemicals from the environment.