Phytoremediation of Radionuclides

Phytoremediation (BZ572) Class Project
Colorado State University - Fall 2008
Thomas A. Grant III

Home

Overview of Radionuclides

Traditional
Methods

Plant Species

Soil Phyto-remediation

Rhizofiltration

Disposal

References


“Phytoremediation is defined as the use of green plants to remove pollutants from the environment or to render them harmless.” (Dushenkov 2003)

http://www.uga.edu/srel/Snapshots/phyto_fig.jpg
This website provides a brief introduction to the utilization of plants for the environmental remediation of soils and water contaminated with radionuclides. Phytoremediation is a novel technology that has distinct advantages and disadvantages compared to the traditional cleanup methods for sites contaminated with unacceptable levels of radionuclides, organic or inorganic pollutants. In general, phytoremediation provides a less expensive and intrusive method to remediate a polluted site when compared to traditional extraction and waste minimization methods or energy intensive in-situ stabilization techniques.
http://webspace.pss.okstate.edu/olga.walsh/Research
%20Papers/Phytoremediation.htm
Phytoremediation is a passive, solar-driven method to remove or stabilize radionuclides in the soil, while minimizing soil disturbance and reducing contaminated by-products (Doty 2008), although long term management and monitoring may be necessary. Disadvantages are focused upon the inability of plants to effectively remove pollution at high concentrations due to phytotoxicity or at soil depths that plant roots may not be able to reach. Additionally, the longer time frames for phytoremediation may not be acceptable to the responsible parties or general public. Phytoremediation could also act as a conduit for contaminants to enter the food chain and the biodegradation of pollutants into potentially toxic by-products is largely unknown. Regardless of these disadvantages, the remediation of toxic substances by plants is a promising technology when applied to the appropriate situations. Based upon the advantages and disadvantages of phytoremediation, the technology is best suited for the remediation of large areas with low levels of pollutants (Negri and Hinchman 2000, Dushenkov 2003) and sufficient time to be effective.