Consideration of Plant-Based Remediation and Restoration of Contaminated Sites Containing Heavy Metals — The Canadian Experience

Abstract

This review highlights the key results from both Canadian and global research work and stimulates discussion on the benefits and limitations of phytoremediation and its potential as an innovative, efficient, and cost-effective environmental technology for treatment of contaminated sites containing heavy metals. It addresses issues that arise and actions that may be required by NATO countries to advance this technology primarily in terms of scientific, technical, regulatory, and environmental research needs. Issues related to intellectual property law, commercialization, biodiversity and public acceptance are also important to the potential application of phytoremediation.