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ASSESSMENT OF PHYTOREMEDIATION IN FIELD TRIALS

Phytoremediation, the use of green plants to remove or contain environmental contaminants, is an attractive alternative to conventional bioremediation because it involves minimal soil disturbance with low costs and results in lower contaminant concentrations. Very little published research exists evaluating phytoremediation of petroleum contaminants on a field basis. Field trials are critical to demonstrate this approach outside of controlled, laboratory conditions.

Three field trials of phytoremediation of petroleum-contaminated soil are being conducted. The overall objective of this research is to evaluate phytoremediation on a field basis to determine efficacy of this remediation process. Results from the field sites are promising with all vegetated plots having significantly greater degradation than the unvegetated plots. It appears that phytoremediation is a viable remediation technology for petroleum-contaminated soil.

Key words: phytoremediation, bioremediation, petroleum, contamination