Ethics, Legal & Social Issues
When phytoremediation is used properly and carefully is has an almost entirely beneficial impact on society and the environment. It is a low risk and effective means of decontamination. Phytoremediation is a natural purification process with the purpose of healing areas damaged by organic and inorganic compounds.When managed and maintained appropriately the planting of a site can be easily defended and addressed by regulatory and legal systems.
Benefits of using Phytoremediation
It helps to expand existing habitats or create a new environment. By removing harmful chemicals from polluted sites, phytotechnologies protect human health and the environment. It is a low risk and effective means of decontamination. Barriers are constructed around sites to separate wildlife from contaminated plants. There is a risk in the use of Phytovolatiliation. This process may release chemical vapors, but workers ensure the safety of nearby communities by monitoring it. Other restoration or migration goals can be combined as the sites are phytoremediated, such as creating ecological diversity through establishing a new habitat or expanding an existing habitat. Generally, the process makes areas more attractive. Phytoremediation projects cause very little disruption.
Negatives of using Phytoremediation
At the beginning, grading or tilling of the soil with loud equipment may be impactful, but such work is limited to the initial establishment of a site. Areas can smell the odor of the fertilizer in close proximity. Watering down the soil can reduce airborne dust. The risks involved in projects such as these are far outweighed by all of the good and beneficial work the process does for the environment. When the sites are monitored and properly constructed there should be no damage to the surrounding community
Companies' and Federal Divisions' Use of Phytoremediation
The ITRC (Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council) funds a Phytotechnologies team, whose Phytoremidiation Decision Tree (1999) was designed to help determine where phytotechnologies could be used. U.S. EPA set up several sites using these methods to decontaminate chlorinated solvents, pesticides, and petroleum products. TIFSD (Technology Innovation and Field Services Division) has programs purely for the development of phytoremediation products. The Department of Defense conducted research for using phytoremediation to clean up ground and surface water contaminated by explosives. At the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant two successful studies conducted for the phytoremediation of wetlands. To use phytoremediation at any locations, one must apply for a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Due to the massive amount of positive results and benefits of phytoremediation society has very few concerns directed toward the process.
