Integral approach for a phytoremediation process: lessons learned

MERINI, LJ; GIULIETTI, AM

Chania

Congreso; 5th European Bioremediation Conference; 2011

Department of Environmental Engineering - Technical University of Crete

During lab scale performance of phytoremediation assays, it is necessary to hold a global vision about the complexity and dynamism of the process, especially when data is planned to be extrapolated to field conditions. First, it is necessary to consider the soil characteristics, since they condition the selection of analytical methods, among other critical aspects of the remediation process. In a second stage, the selection and management of plants and microorganisms are the main aspects to be considered. The sole presence of plants, independently of their remediation capacity per se, is an advantage since they generate a microenvironment for rizospheric activity and reduce run-off and leaching of the contaminant. Finally, at the moment of boarding a full scale phytoremediation project, which necessarily implies an interdisciplinary approach, the successful combination of the different involved areas is probably the most challenging objective.