An emerging group of technologies called phytoremediation are using nature s healing processes to protect human health and the environment. Phytoremediation uses vegetation or living green plants to help restore or stabilize polluted land and water.
Plants can help a contaminated area in several ways.
Some contaminants can be taken up into plants through their roots and either stored within the plant, broken down into less harmful chemicals, or released into the atmosphere through the plant's leaves. Plants also produce compounds in their roots that help the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other small organisms in the surrounding soil. Many of these organisms break down or change contaminants into less harmful products. Plants can also prevent the spread of contaminants by cutting down on wind and water erosion, and in some cases, preventing the flow of contaminated groundwater away from a site. Phytoremediation has been used to reduce the levels of heavy metals, petroleum products, explosives, pesticides, and other harmful substances in soil and groundwater.