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PhytoremediationPhytoremediation is the use of plants to clean up contaminated soil. It is one of several innovative technologies being increasingly used for environmental remediation. Using standard methods, CEA would excavate soil, then incinerate, compost or truck to a landfill the contaminated material. Using phytoremediation, CEA treats the soil in-situ by planting a vegetative cap. This long-term, self-sustaining cover of plants requires minimal maintenance. While phytoremediation takes years to clean a moderately contaminated site, it is very cost effective and the outcome is green space. Creating green space is inexpensive and a socially acceptable way to clear contaminants from the soil and groundwater. Using natural methods to clean up soil pollutants for moderately contaminated soil is a low risk solution that doesn't pose a high health hazard to the public. If the site doesn't need to be used immediately, phytoremediation is a natural choice. Phytoremediation offers the following benefits over other technologies:
According to the EPA, there are well over 200 sites in the United States where phytoremediation has been tested as a remediation alternative. Other biological cleanup methods can do the job faster, but phytoremediation costs much less and has less impact on the soil structure. |
