Overview of phytotechnologies

Phytotechnologies are defined as: "The use of vegetation to contain, sequester, remove, or degrade inorganic and organic contaminants in soils, sediments, surface waters, and groundwater." This chapter is designed to provide the reader with a broad, introductory overview of phytotechnologies as well as environmental remediation in general. To familiarize the reader with the common acronyms, abbreviations, and parameters used in the environmental arena, an extensive list is provided for quick reference. Furthermore, due to the multi-disciplinary nature of phytotechnologies, a brief background on the pertinent information in plant physiology, soil microbiology, hydrogeology, and environmental engineering is provided as well. This covers the basic physiological processes occurring in the rhizosphere as well as in the plant system. Furthermore, these basic processes are related to the phytotechnology mechanisms that form the basis for the various applications used in the field today. Finally, basic design equations, site-specific considerations, and practical field implementation techniques are provided as well for the different applications.