Benefits of Vegetation for Soils with Organic Contaminants

Abstract Referee: Dr. Paul E. Olson, Colorado State University, Department of Biology, E414 Anatomy/Zoology Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1878 Plants have many beneficial effects on contaminated soils, including direct metabolism of some organic compounds, stimulation of microbial activity in the root zone, extraction of water, reduction of infiltration, improved aeration of the soil and stabilization against wind and water erosion. Some of these benefits have been explored and exploited in the newly named field of phytoremediation, whereas others remain largely in the domain of agronomy and ecology. This review attempts an assessment of the major environmental impacts of plants in general, recently termed phytotechnology, while including some case studies where particular species have been shown to have impacts on certain contaminants, more specifically termed phytoremediation. There is growing evidence that plants can have significant benefits in phytoremediating a range of complex organic molecules, including pesticides, solvents, explosives, and industrial byproducts.