Innovations & Economic Impact
Phytoremediation utilizes several processes in varying locations to aid in the decontamination of polluted sites.
IT'S EASY BEING GREEN... AND CLEAN.
Click below to view the different forms and methods of Phytoremediation technologies, a video on phytoremediation, and the EPA's article on Phytoremediation.
Phytoremediation Market
Phytoremediation is a relatively new technology and therefore has a small steadily growing market. As its market increases on private lands there will be more data to improve, develop and diversify this means of purification.
Users of Phytoremediation
-
The Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) published an informational guide to phytoremediation and other phytotechnologies detailing previous and ongoing projects, up to date information about the process and future objectives for other environmental agencies to utilize.
-
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set up several sites using these methods to decontaminate chlorinated solvents from groundwater and pesticides from agricultural sites. They have managed to use phytoremediation to clean up more difficult to remove petroleum products by using native grasses. Selenium was decontaminated from certain areas by planting duckweed and water hyacinth in wetlands. They also phytovolatized selenium using canola and Indian mustard. Uranium, cesium and strontium were removed from hydroponic solutions by sunflowers.
-
The Technology Innovation and Field Services Division (TIFSD) works with the EPA to set up programs for environmental protection.
-
The Edenspace Systems Corporation set up site to remove arsenic from soils in closed portions of landfills in 2010.
Research and Development
At several universities and among many researchers, Phytoremediative technologies are being advanced in revolutionary ways. Sharon Doty’s 2008 publication of “Enhancing Phytoremediation through the use of transgenics and endophytes, funded by National Academy of Sciences, showed ways of using transgenic plants, endophytes and bacteria in plant tissue to clean up contaiminated sites. At University of Washington in 2007, researchers published promising development of a transgenic poplar for phytoremediation to detoxify trichloroethylene (TCE), vinyl chloride, carbon tetrachloride, benzene and chloroform. University of Georgia successfully developed a fast growing and pest resistant transgenic poplar tree that effectively absorbs mercury. Those who own sites polluted or contaminated with organic or inorganic substances that are harmful to the environment and human health file for permits to use phytoremediation. Most projects using this technology are founded on government and environmental agencies’ initiative for public lands.
Active Phytoremediation Project Area
Aircraft Repair & Supply Center, Elizabeth City
Benefits of Using Phytoremediation
There are massive benefits in selecting phytoremediation as a means to clean up polluted sites in comparison to other conventional products.
-
First, it saves energy by using less labor and equipment than other systems. The plants do almost all of the needed work on their own unlike processes such as soil vapor extraction.
-
There are substantial cost savings as well because of the low operation and maintenance requirements; the technology is predominately self-repairing and generally resilient.
-
There is a more positive public reaction and acceptance by using “green” and low-tech remedial technology.
-
Phytoremediation helps reduce erosion and dust emissions
-
The process improves air quality
-
It lessens noise
-
Phytoremediation generally make sites more attractive.
-
Through a phytoremediative project the soil’s structure and fertility are improved not damaged. Nearby mature trees and shrubs, and decks and slate walkways will remain intact.
-
The process may be used in combination with other restoration or migration goals and creates new habitat or supplements existing habitat creating more ecological diversity.
