DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1065/jss2002.03.037 --- Phytoremediation is an emerging technology based
on the use of green plants to remove, contain, inactivate or destroy
harmful environmental pollutants. Recent developments
in Europe and the USA show that the approach is somewhat
different on both sides of the Atlantic. In Europe, phytoremediation
has more basically been research driven and, based on the
outcomes, applications have been envisaged. By contrast, the
approach in the USA is more application and experience driven.
In spite of a growing track record of commercial success, more
demonstration projects are needed to prove that phytoremediation
is effective in order to rigorously measure its underlying
economics, and to expand its applications. More fundamental
research is also required to better understand the complex interactions
between pollutants, soil, plant roots and micro-organisms
at the rhizosphere level, to increase the bioavailability of
pollutants, to fully exploit the metabolic diversity of plants and,
thus, to successfully implement this new green technology. |
