Plant-based soil remediation systems

Pollution of soils and waters by human activities is an important and widespread problem. This pollution by, organic and inorganic substances can affect individual organisms, human populations, and ecosystems, each in its own unique way. In particular former military installations, often used for weapons production and nuclear power plants represent a ongoing and substantial threat to environment and human health because of the specific pollutants that can be released Solvents, explosives, fuels, radionuclides, heavy metals, and metalloids all have been identified in the environment around these installations. Remediation technologies for these contaminated sites have been developed based on conventional systems utilising physical and chemical treatments, such as excavation and incineration, pump-and-treat methods, ultraviolet oxidation, soil washing, etc. 

Wenzel WW, Adriano DC, Salt D, Smith R. (1999). Phytoremediation A plant-microbe-based remediation system. In Bioremediation of Contaminated Soils. Agronomy Monograph No. 37, Madison, WI SSSA, pp. 457-508. 

Phytoremediation is the use of plants to treat or stabilize contaminated soils, sediments, or water. Plants provide and support remediation processes in many ways. Common applications of phytoremediation-based systems include remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater, reuse of municipal wastewater and biosolids, reuse of industrial wastewater and by-products, alternative landfill capping and erosion control, and landfill leachate reuse. 

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