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Phytoremediation
Phytoremediation is a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly technology that uses plants
and their associated microorganisms to clean up contaminated soils, water, and air. Derived
from the Greek word "phyto" (plant) and Latin "remedium" (to correct or remove an evil),
phytoremediation leverages natural biological processes to degrade, extract, contain, or
immobilize environmental pollutants. This method is especially significant for mitigating
contamination caused by industrial, agricultural, and mining activities.
Phytoremediation has gained attention due to its minimal environmental impact, aesthetic
appeal, and potential for habitat restoration. It stands as an alternative or complementary
method to conventional remediation technologies, such as excavation or chemical treatments.
Mechanisms of Phytoremediation
Phytoremediation involves various strategies depending on the type of pollutant, plant
species, and environmental conditions. The major mechanisms include:
1. Phytoextraction (Phytoaccumulation)
Plants absorb contaminants, especially heavy metals, through their roots and
translocate them to above-ground parts (stems and leaves).
Harvesting and proper disposal of biomass help remove the pollutants from the site.
Suitable for metals like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg).
Example: Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) for cadmium and lead extraction.
2. Phytostabilization
Plants reduce the mobility and bioavailability of pollutants in the environment,
particularly in soils.
Roots exude compounds that immobilize contaminants or convert them into less toxic
forms.
Prevents leaching into groundwater or erosion.
Example: Vetiver grass stabilizing arsenic-contaminated soils.
3. Phytodegradation (Phytotransformation)
Plants and their enzymes metabolize organic pollutants into less harmful forms.
Contaminants are broken down inside the plant tissues or in the rhizosphere.
Effective for hydrocarbons, pesticides, and solvents.
Example: Populus spp. (poplar trees) degrading trichloroethylene (TCE).
4. Rhizodegradation
Also known as rhizosphere biodegradation.
Microorganisms in the rhizosphere (soil zone near roots) degrade organic pollutants.
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Plant roots supply oxygen and nutrients that enhance microbial activity.
Example: Rhizodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons using grasses like Lolium
perenne.
5. Phytovolatilization
Plants absorb contaminants and convert them into volatile forms, which are then
released into the atmosphere.
Suitable for elements like selenium (Se), mercury (Hg), and some organic
compounds.
May lead to secondary pollution if not properly managed.
Example: Brassica spp. volatilizing selenium.
6. Rhizofiltration
Roots absorb or adsorb pollutants, mainly from contaminated water or aqueous waste
streams.
Plants are grown hydroponically and then introduced into contaminated water
sources.
Example: Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) removing uranium from water.
Types of Contaminants Treated
Phytoremediation is applicable for a wide range of pollutants:
Heavy Metals
Lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn),
copper (Cu).
Generally treated through phytoextraction, phytostabilization, or rhizofiltration.
Organic Pollutants
Petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), solvents.
Degraded through phytodegradation and rhizodegradation.
Radionuclides
Uranium (U), cesium (Cs), strontium (Sr).
Treated through phytoextraction and rhizofiltration.
Excess Nutrients
Nitrogen and phosphorus compounds from agricultural runoff.
Removed through plant uptake and microbial processes.
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Advantages of Phytoremediation
1. Environmentally Friendly: Utilizes natural processes without generating harmful
by-products.
2. Cost-Effective: Cheaper than mechanical and chemical remediation techniques.
3. Aesthetic Value: Green landscapes enhance visual appeal and can be used for urban
greening.
4. Minimal Site Disturbance: In-situ method avoids excavation or transportation of
contaminated soil.
5. Biodiversity Support: Provides habitat for birds, insects, and microorganisms.
6. Public Acceptance: Less disruptive and more publicly acceptable than traditional
remediation.
Limitations of Phytoremediation
1. Time-Consuming: May take several years to achieve desired cleanup levels.
2. Depth Limitations: Effective only in the root zone (rhizosphere); deeper
contaminants remain untouched.
3. Plant Toxicity: High contaminant levels may inhibit plant growth or cause
phytotoxicity.
4. Secondary Pollution: In case of phytovolatilization, pollutants may be released into
the air.
5. Biomass Disposal: Contaminated plant matter requires careful handling and disposal.
6. Site-Specific: Effectiveness depends on climate, soil type, and contaminant
characteristics.
Hyperaccumulator Plants
Some plants have an extraordinary ability to accumulate heavy metals in their tissues. These
are called hyperaccumulators.
Metal Hyperaccumulator Plant Example
Nickel (Ni) Alyssum murale
Lead (Pb) Brassica juncea
Arsenic (As) Pteris vittata (Chinese brake fern)
Zinc (Zn) Thlaspi caerulescens
Selenium (Se) Astragalus bisulcatus
These species are critical in phytoextraction projects and are selected based on their tolerance
and accumulation capacity.
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Application Areas
1. Industrial Sites: Cleanup of heavy metals and solvents from factories, smelters, and
refineries.
2. Agricultural Lands: Removal of pesticide residues and nutrient runoff.
3. Mining Areas: Stabilization and extraction of metals from tailings and spoils.
4. Urban Brownfields: Redevelopment of abandoned urban lands.
5. Wastewater Treatment: Use of aquatic plants in constructed wetlands.
6. Radioactive Waste Sites: Uptake of radionuclides in nuclear disaster-affected zones.
Case Studies
1. Sunflower and Chernobyl
After the Chernobyl nuclear disaster (1986), sunflowers were used to remove radioactive
cesium and strontium from contaminated water bodies. The plants absorbed these isotopes
efficiently and demonstrated the potential of phytoremediation in disaster zones.
2. Poplar Trees in Trichloroethylene Removal
Poplar trees planted near contaminated groundwater sites in the U.S. have been effective in
absorbing and degrading trichloroethylene (TCE), a common industrial solvent.
3. Vetiver Grass for Arsenic
In West Bengal, India, vetiver grass has been used to stabilize arsenic-contaminated soils
near tube wells and reduce groundwater contamination risks.
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