Phytoremediation
Phytoremediation is the use of vegetation (trees, plants, shrubs, etc.) to remediate contaminated soil and/or water. The vegetation works like hydrologic pumps pulling up contaminated water and breaking down contaminants in the soil. Native prairie grasses, forbs, and trees can have massive root systems that penetrate deep into the ground. Phytoremediation has been used successfully in small and large remediation projects involving heavily contaminated soil, surface water, and ground water. This technology is an economical and environmentally sustainable way to clean up some of the most contaminated sites that exist.
Phytoremediation can be a very effective tool to combat soil and water contamination and beautify an area at the same time. This technology is currently being used successfully in industries such as food manufacturing, petro-chemical, energy, and industrial manufacturing and fabrication. Each project is specific and requires a tailored solution using one or many types of phytoremediation. Some of these types are:
- Rhizosphere biodegradation - Microbial degradation in the root zone.
- Phyto-stabilization - Contaminant immobilization rather than degradation.
- Phyto-accumulation - Contaminates are stored in the plant mass.
- Phyto-volatilization - Contaminants are taken up by the plant and released into the air through the leaves.
No matter what the project involves, the engineers and scientists at SET Environmental, Inc. can evaluate, determine, and design the right phytoremediation practice ensuring a successful project.
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Contact Brian McGowan today about how our National Sustainable Practices Division can assist you.P