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Scientist's Publication Makes a Big Impact
An article written by ORD scientist Mitch Lasat, PhD, recently received its 36th citation, placing it in the top 1% of cited publications in the field. "Phytoextraction of Toxic Metals: A Review of Biological Mechanisms" appeared in the January/February 2002 edition of the Journal of Environmental Quality. According to the ISI citation source, Dr. Lasat's paper "is making a significant impact among his colleagues in his field of study."
In the article, Dr. Lasat reviewed the state of the science for using plants to remediate sites contaminated with toxic metals. He concluded that phytoremediation is an emerging technology with much potential, but its success will largely depend on an integrated research approach by plant biologists, soil microbiologists, agronomists, and environmental engineers. This multidisciplinary effort would allow for the formulation of a comprehensive research plan, ensure research continuity, and avoid redundance.
The remediation of sites contaminated with toxic metals, such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium, is extremely challenging. Metals are not degradable, thus cleanup typically requires their removal. This prohibitively expensive process often reduces soil fertility, which negatively impacts the ecosystem. Many studies have demonstrated that plants contain proteins capable of absorbing many toxic metals from the soil. However, the use of phytoremediation is limited by a lack of understanding of the complex interactions between the plant, microorganisms, and the soil itself, as well as of the mechanisms by which the plant accumulates the metals.
Dr. Lasat identified four research areas to be advanced for the successful implementation of phytoremediation. First, he discussed the importance of understanding how soil microorganisms affect the bioavailability of metals for root uptake. Second, he indicated that uncertainties still exist regarding additional factors influencing metal bioavailabity. Third, he suggested that elucidation of the mechanisms by which plants take up and accumulate metals is necessary. Last, he detailed how plants could be improved for remediation purposes through conventional breeding and biotechnology. Dr. Lasat concluded his article by indicating the steps that must be completed before deployment of the technology.
Dr. Lasat is an Assistant Center Director in NCER and is the lead for planning research related to land restoration and preservation. He is also NCER's "Hazardous Substance Research Centers" Program Manager. In 2003 and 2004, Dr. Lasat was a lecturer at the Johns Hopkins University, and from 1995 to 1999, he was Research Assistant Professor at Cornell University.
Dr. Lasat earned an MS in Crop Science from West Virginia University and a PhD in Plant Biochemistry from Cornell University. In 1999, the American Association for the Advancement of Science awarded him an Environmental Science and Technology Fellowship. He received the EPA Bronze Medal for Commendable Service in 2001, in recognition of significantly advancing the state of knowledge in the area of phytoremediation. In May 2002, Dr. Lasat was named "EPA/ORD Scientist of the Month." He has authored or coauthored 16 peer-reviewed journal articles or book chapters and is currently Associate Editor of the International Journal of Phytoremediation.
Citation:
Phytoextraction of Toxic Metals: A Review of Biological Mechanisms
Mitch M. Lasat
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
National Center for Environmental Research (8722R)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20460