Phytoremediation: An ecological solution to organic chemical contamination

Abstract

Phytoremediation is a promising new technology that uses plants to degrade, assimilate, metabolize, or detoxify metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides, and chlorinated solvents. In this review, in situ, in vivo and in vitro methods of application are described for remediation of these compounds. Phytoaccumulation, phytoextraction, phytostabilization, phytotransformation, phytovolatilization and rhizodegradation are discussed and the role of enzymes in transforming organic chemicals in plants is presented. The advantages and constraints of phytoremediation are provided. Our conclusions is that phytoremediation prescriptions must be site-specific; however, these applications have the potential for providing the most cost-effective and resource-conservative approach for remediating sites contaminated with a variety of hazardous chemicals. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.