Phytoremediation

Phytoremediation encompasses several different technologies, all of which involve the use of plants to remediate contaminated soil and groundwater.

Typically plant roots or tissues absorb the contamination, which is sometimes released into the atmosphere (phytovolatilisation) or which sometimes requires the harvesting of plant tissue which then requires disposal. It works best for long-term stabilisation projects such as for mine wastes or slag heaps, or as a polishing technique in conjunction with other remedial technologies, such as bioremediation.