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THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF PHYTOREMEDIATION
Citation:
McCutcheon, S C. THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF PHYTOREMEDIATION. Presented at US Environmental Protection Agency Phytoremediation Conference, Boston, MA, May 1-2, 2000.
Impact/Purpose:
Elucidate and model the underlying processes (physical, chemical, enzymatic, biological, and geochemical) that describe the species-specific transformation and transport of organic contaminants and nutrients in environmental and biological systems. Develop and integrate chemical behavior parameterization models (e.g., SPARC), chemical-process models, and ecosystem-characterization models into reactive-transport models.
Description:
This presentation will briefly review terminology, and define the types, benefits, and limitations of phytoremediation. A review of where phytoremediation fits in the scheme of hazardous waste management serves as a lead into an overview of the scientific advances on which the practice of phytoremediation is based. This presentation defines broadly the application of phytoremediation as a niche or polishing technology and when the approach can be used as a primary treatment. Secondary benefits for nonpoint source treatment in air and water, effluent treatment, erosion control and site management, and ecosystem restoration will be put into context with the general scientific and ecological engineering knowledge of the art. The fundamental understanding of plant and rhizosphere biochemistry and contaminant fate and transport will be contrasted with the field and pilot studies that represent the current proof of concepts and proof of principles that justify use of phytoremediation. The practice is summarized as those approaches that are ready for application (given the appropriate pilot and feasibility investigations for specific sites), promising treatments expected to be tested soon, and conceivable phytoremediation approaches that require intensive development. Finally, the intrinsic strengths of phytoremediation and future potential for the technology will be reviewed for applications in hazardous waste management.