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Phytoremediation.
Citation:
MCCUTCHEON, S. C. AND S. E. Jorgensen. Phytoremediation. Chapter 2, S.E. Jorgensen and B. Fath (ed.), Encyclopedia of Ecology. Elsevier Science BV, Amsterdam, Netherlands, , 2751-2766, (2008).
Impact/Purpose:
Book chapter on phytoremediation.
Description:
Phytoremediation, the use of green plants to treat and control wastes in water, soil, and air, is an important part of the new field of ecological engineering. In situ and ex situ applications are governed by site soil and water characteristics, nutrient sustainability, meteorology, hydrology, feasible ecosystems, and contaminant characteristics. Phytotoxicity and mass transport limitations or bioavailability tend to be critical in applications. Most applications are inexpensive due to the reliance on sunlight and recycling of nutrients in situ but large land areas and longer times for treatment usually limited to root zones and shallow waters are the norm. Applications of wetlands, grass lands, crops, and tree plantations have been successful for a variety of contaminants, usually present in low concentrations that are not acutely phytotoxic. Wastes include organic and inorganic compounds, including metals and metalloids, some xenobiotic contaminants, and leachate, sewage, sludge, and other conventional wastes. Some redundant or back up treatment may be necessary depending on the acuteness of risks, to offset the variability of biological systems.