Increasing knowledge about phytoremediation through a practical approach for undergraduate students

TALANO, M.A.; IBAÑEZ, S.G.; SOSA ALDERETE, L.G.; WEVAR OLLER, A.L.; VEZZA, M.E.; MEDINA, M.I.; AGOSTINI, E.

JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL EDUCATION

INST BIOLOGY

Año: 2020 p. 1 - 7

0021-9266

Universities play an important role in society at development and in providing solutions for its problems. Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems facing the world today. Thus, universities are increasingly including subjects related to the environment and its conservation both in their educational and research programme. Generally, undergraduate students know many benefits of plants, such as being sources for food and several bioactive compounds, provision of atmospheric oxygen and soil conservation. However, they are less aware of the potential of plants in ʻcleaningʼ environmental pollutants. To this end, a useful biochemistry laboratory approach is described that guides students to learn about the applicability of phytoremediation using in vitro plant cultures (hairy roots) to degrade an organic pollutant (phenol)from a synthetic solution. This laboratory approach has been successfully implemented in university Plant Biotechnology course to deepen understanding about phytoremediation potential and highlight the biochemical basis of this process. This procedure can be easily adopted to increase student learning of environmental issues and awareness about the potential of using plants forenvironmental remediation processes.