Impact of plant growth in waste-contaminated areas

Abstract

This chapter presents the influence of radionuclides on the plant growth with particular emphasis on phytoremediation technology for radioactive decontamination. After radiological catastrophe, radionuclide fallout can contaminate soil, leading potentially to higher radiation exposure of human population. Most of the conventional remedial technologies are expensive and inhibit the soil fertility; this subsequently causes negative impacts on the ecosystem. It is shown in this review that phytoremediation is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, aesthetically pleasing approach most suitable for radioactive decontamination waste area. This chapter reports how physical, chemical processes, and biological accumulation influence the destiny of radionuclides in plants. A case study showed that accumulation properties of common reed could be useful in phytoremediation of mine waters or for bioindication of radionuclides in such waters. High-activity concentrations of radionuclides in the U-mill tailings did not negatively impact on plants growth. This means that common reed belongs to the metal-resistant plants with a metal-tolerance mechanism against toxic elements.