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Bioremediation

Bioremediation

Bioremediation is the use of prokaryotes, fungi, or plants to remove pollutants from the environment. This process has been used to remove harmful toxins in groundwater as a byproduct of agricultural run-off and also to clean up oil spills.

Plant Breeding and Biotechnology

Plant Breeding and Biotechnology

Crop cultivation has a long history in human civilization, with records showing the cultivation of cereal plants beginning at around 8000 BC. This early plant breeding was developed primarily to provide a steady supply of food.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 7, 2026

Vegetated Treatment Systems for Removing Contaminants Associated with Surface Water Toxicity in Agriculture and Urban Runoff

Vegetated Treatment Systems for Removing Contaminants Associated with Surface Water Toxicity in Agriculture and Urban Runoff

Published on: May 15, 2017

Opinion: Taking phytoremediation from proven technology to accepted practice.

Karen E Gerhardt¹, Perry D Gerwing², Bruce M Greenberg¹

¹Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.

Plant Science : an International Journal of Experimental Plant Biology

|February 8, 2017

Summary

Phytoremediation effectively removes soil contaminants but is underutilized. This opinion piece suggests strategies to increase its acceptance as a gentle remediation option for broader environmental management.

Keywords:

Metals NaCl PGPR-enhanced phytoremediation system(s) (PEPS)Petroleum hydrocarbon(s)Phytomanagement

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Last Updated: Mar 7, 2026

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Published on: May 15, 2017

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Published on: May 16, 2022

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Environmental Engineering
Plant Science

Background:

Phytoremediation utilizes plants for contaminant removal from soil, water, and air.
It addresses diverse pollutants like petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and radioisotopes.
Despite proven efficacy, commercial phytoremediation is globally underutilized.

Purpose of the Study:

To discuss the transition of phytoremediation from a proven technology to an accepted practice.
To identify reasons for its underutilization in field applications.
To propose strategies for greater industry and government acceptance.

Main Methods:

Overview of soil phytoremediation field applications.
Analysis of barriers to phytoremediation adoption.
Discussion of phytomanagement and gentle remediation options (GRO).

Main Results:

Phytoremediation is a successful field strategy for various contaminants.
Underutilization stems from factors hindering widespread adoption.
Phytomanagement offers a framework for integrating phytoremediation into long-term strategies.

Conclusions:

Phytoremediation is a viable and effective environmental cleanup technology.
Increased acceptance requires addressing industry and governmental barriers.
Adopting phytoremediation as a gentle remediation option within phytomanagement can enhance its utilization.