Phytoremediation

Phytoremediation (/ˌfaɪtoʊrɪˌmiːdiˈeɪʃən/; from the Greek φυτο (phyto), meaning 'plant', and Latin remedium, meaning 'restoring balance') is a bioremediation process that uses various types of plants to remove, transfer, stabilize, and/or destroy contaminants in the soil and groundwater.

Etymology

The term 'phytoremediation' is a combination of the Greek word 'phyto', meaning plant, and the Latin word 'remedium', meaning restoring balance. It was first used in the late 20th century, as scientists began to understand the potential of using plants to clean up contaminated soil and water.

Types of Phytoremediation

There are several types of phytoremediation, each involving a different process and type of plant. These include:

Phytoextraction: Also known as phytoaccumulation, this process uses plants to absorb contaminants from the soil into their biomass.
Phytostabilization: This process uses plants to stabilize contaminants in the soil, reducing their mobility and preventing them from entering the groundwater or being taken up by other plants.
Phytodegradation: Also known as phytotransformation, this process uses plants to break down contaminants in the soil, either directly or by releasing enzymes that promote microbial activity.
Phytovolatilization: This process uses plants to absorb contaminants from the soil and then release them into the air.
Rhizofiltration: This process uses the roots of plants to absorb or adsorb contaminants from groundwater.

Related Terms

Bioremediation: The use of living organisms, such as plants and bacteria, to remove or neutralize contaminants in polluted soil or water.
Bioaccumulation: The accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals, in an organism.
Biomagnification: The process by which the concentration of a substance increases in an organism as it takes in contaminated air, water, or food.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Phytoremediation
Wikipedia's article - Phytoremediation

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Phytoremediation