Removal of Contaminants Using Plants: A Review

Abstract

Thi review list the environmental benefit from the pre ence of various plants regarding their application in removing contamination. From the review we concluded that Phytoremedi ation wh ich is susta inabl e and inexpensive process, is fast emergi ng as a viabl e alternative to conventional remediation methods, and will be most suitable for a developing country like Indi a. Most of the studie have been done in developed countries and knowledge of suitable plants is particularly limited. It is clear from the review that fast growing plant with hi gh bioma sand good metal uptake ability are needed. In most of the contaminated sites hardy, to lerant, weed specie exist and phytoremediation through these and other non edibl e specie can restrict the contaminant from being introduced into the food web. Much more work needs to be performed to further confinn: (I) the correlation b tween transpiration gas and condensate water; (2) oi l community contaminant degradation rate; (3) oil flux rate ofVOC ; ( 4) contaminant exposure to the root zone versus sap and condensate water; (5) leaflitter exposure pathway; and (6) microwells to determine the zo ne of contamination.