Phytoremediation

For more information on Phytoremediation, please contact:

Linda Fiedler
Technology Assessment Branch
(703) 603-7194
fiedler.linda@epa.gov

Overview Guidance Application Training Additional Resources

Overview

Phytoremediation is a process that uses plants to remove, transfer, stabilize, or destroy contaminants in soil, sediment, and groundwater. The mechanisms of phytoremediation include enhanced rhizosphere biodegradation (takes place in soil or groundwater immediately surrounding plant roots), phytoextraction (also known as phytoaccumulation, the uptake of contaminants by plant roots and the translocation/accumulation of contaminants into plant shoots and leaves), phytodegradation (metabolism of contaminants within plant tissues), and phytostabilization (production of chemical compounds by plants to immobilize contaminants at the interface of roots and soil). Phytoremediation applies to all biological, chemical, and physical processes that are influenced by plants (including the rhizosphere) and that aid in cleanup of the contaminated substances. Plants can be used in site remediation, both through the mineralization of toxic organic compounds and through the accumulation and concentration of heavy metals and other inorganic compounds from soil into aboveground shoots. Phytoremediation may be applied in situ or ex situ, to soils, sludges, sediments, other solids, or groundwater.

4.3 Phytoremediation (In Situ Soil Remediation Technology)
In Remediation Technologies Screening Matrix and Reference Guide, Version 3.0. Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable.

4.33 Phytoremediation (In Situ Ground Water Remediation Technology)
In Remediation Technologies Screening Matrix and Reference Guide, Version 3.0. Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable.

A Citizen's Guide to Phytoremediation
EPA 542-F-01-002, 2001

Download Spanish Translation (101K/PDF)

The Citizen's Guide Series are 2-page fact sheets that provide a general description on approaches to clean up contaminated was sites. The fact sheets cover five questions about each clean up approach: What is it?, How does it work?, Is it safe?, How long will it take?, and Why use it?.

Guía del Ciudadano para la Fitocorrección
EPA 542-F-01-002S, 2001

La Serie de Guías del Ciudadano son boletines de dos páginas con datos que proveen una descripción general en cómo sanear sitios contaminados. Estos boletines con datos que cubren cinco preguntas acerca de cada procedimiento de saneamiento: ¿Qúe es?, ¿Cómo trabaja?, ¿Es seguro?, ¿Cúanto tiempo requerirá?, y ¿Por qué debe de usarse?

Introduction to Phytoremediation
EPA 600-R-99-107, 2000

This Introduction is intended to provide a tool for site regulators, owners, neighbors, and managers to evaluate the applicability of phytoremediation to a site. This document defines terms and provides a framework to understand phytoremediation applications. It is a compilation of research and remediation work that has been done to date.

Phytoremediation of Contaminated Soil and Ground Water at Hazardous Waste Sites
EPA 540-S-01-500, 2001

This Issue Paper was developed for the EPA Regional Ground Water Forum. This issue paper focuses on the processes and applications of phytoremediation for remediation of hazardous waste sites. The purpose of this issue paper is to provide a concise discussion of the processes associated with the use of phytoremediation as a cleanup or containment technique for remediation of hazardous waste sites. sediment, ground water, surface water, and waste water.

Phytoremediation—Technology Overview Report
1996. Ralinda R. Miller, Ground-Water Remediation Technologies Analysis Center. TO-96-03, 26 pp.

Radionuclide Biological Remediation Resource Guide
EPA 905-B-04-001, 2004

This guide is intended to increase awareness about technical information and specialized resources related to phytotechnology, bioremediation and other technologies as they relate to radioactive materials. Specifically, this document identifies a cross section of information intended to aid users in remedial decision-making, including abstracts of field demonstrations, research documents, and information to assist in the ordering of publications. In addition, the cross reference and look-up format of this document allows the user to quickly scan available resources and access more detailed abstracts.

Technology Evaluation Report: Phytoremediation
1998

This report, compiled by the Ground-Water Remediation Technologies Center (GWRTAC), provides a review of phytoremediation technologies. Information was gathered primarily from peer-reviewed papers and publications and, in some instances, from personal communication with involved parties.

Treatment Technologies for Site Cleanup: Annual Status Report (ASR), Twelfth Edition
EPA 542-R-07-012, 2007

The Twelfth Edition of this report, published by the EPA Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation (OSRTI) in September 2007, documents treatment technology applications at more than 1,900 soil and groundwater cleanup projects at National Priorities List (NPL) sites. The status of more than 1,200 projects included in the ASR Eleventh Edition is updated, and information about 192 new projects derived from Records of Decision (ROD) signed from 2002 through 2005 is added. The report also includes a special section about on-site containment remedies. The ASR is based on the analysis of nearly 3,000 RODs signed since 1982 at 1,536 NPL sites. The online version includes new downloadable spreadsheets with the data for several of the key tables and figures in the report. Specific information about each technology application included in the ASR Twelfth Edition is available in the ASR Remediation Database.

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Last updated on Monday, November 17, 2008