The Use of Plants for the Removal of Toxic Metals from Contaminated Soil

Environmental Protection Agency. It has not been formally reviewed by EPA. The views expressed in this document are solely those of Mitch Lasat and EPA does not endorse any products or commercial services mentioned in this publication. Phytoremediation is an emerging technology that employs the use of higher plants for the cleanup of contaminated environments. Fundamental and applied research have unequivocally demonstrated that selected plant species possess the genetic potential to remove, degrade, metabolize, or immobilize a wide range of contaminants. Despite this tremendous potential, phytoremediation is yet to become a commercial technology. Progress in the field is precluded by limited knowledge of basic plant remedial mechanisms. In addition, the effect of agronomic practices on these mechanisms is poorly understood. Another limitation lies within the very biological nature of this novel approach. For example, potential for phytoremediation depends upon the interaction among soil, contaminants, microbes, and plants. This complex interaction, affected by a variety of factors, such as climatic conditions, soil properties, and site hydro-geology, argues against generalization, and in favor of site-specific phytoremediating practices