Phytoextraction

Uptake of a contaminant by plant roots from the environment and its translocation into harvestable plant biomass

Contaminant extraction and capture

Organic and inorganic pollutants

? Soils;

? Sediments;

? Water;

? Sludges.

? Tolerance to high concentrations metals;

? High metal-accumulation capability;

? Rapid growth rate;

? Accumulation of trace elements in the above ground parts;

? Easy to harvest;

? Extended root system for exploring large soil volumes;

? High translocation factor;

? Easy agricultural management;

? Good adaptation to prevailing environmental and climatic conditions;

? Resistance to pathogens and pests;

? Rrepulse herbivores to avoid food chain contamination.

Phytostabilization

Reduction of mobility and bioavailability of pollutants in environment either by physical or chemical effects

Contaminant containment

Heavy metals;

Chlorinated solvents

? Soil;

? Sediments;

? Sludges.

? The ability to develop extended and abundant root systems;

? The ability to keep the translocation of metals from roots to shoots as low as possible;

? The capacity to retain the contaminants in the roots or rhizosphere (excluder mechanism) to limit the spreading through the food chain.

Phytovolatilization

The process of absorption of pollutants by plants and volatilization into the atmosphere by the foliar system

Contaminant extraction from media and release to air

Chlorinated solvents;

Inorganic compounds

? Grouwndwater

? Soil

? Sediments

? Sludges

?

Rhizofiltration

The use of plant roots to absorb or adsorb contaminants that are in solution surrounding the root zone

Contaminant extraction and capture

Heavy metals;

Ogranic compounds

? Surface Waters;

? Wastewaters.

? Metal-resistant plants;

? High adsorption surface;

? Tolerance of Hypoxia;

? Terrestrial plants are preferred because they have a fibrous and much longer root system, increasing the amount of root area.