PHYTOREMEDIATION

Introduction

Phytoremediation is the use of living green plants forin situ risk reduction andor removal of contaminantsfrom contaminated soil water sediments and air

OVERVIEW

Phytoextraction Plant roots uptake metal contaminants

from the soil and translocate them to

their above soil tissues

Once the plants have grown and

absorbed the metal pollutants they are

harvested and disposed off safely

This process is repeated several times to

reduce contamination to acceptable

levels

Hyper accumulator plant species are

used on many sites due to their

tolerance of relatively extreme levels of

pollution

Avena sp Brassica sp

Contaminants removed

Metal compounds that have been

successfully phytoextracted include zinc

copper and nickel

Rhizofiltration It is concerned with the remediation of contaminated groundwater

The contaminants are either adsorbed onto the root surface or are

absorbed by the plant roots

Plants used for rhizofiltration are acclimated to the pollutant

1

bull Plants are hydroponically grown in clean water rather than soil until a large root system has developed

2

bull Water supply is substituted for a polluted water supply to acclimatize the plant

3

bull They are planted in the polluted area where the roots uptake the polluted water and the contaminants along with it

4

bull As the roots become saturated they are harvested and disposed of safely

Chernobyl - sunflowers

were grown in radioactively

contaminated pools

Phytostabilisation To immobilize soil and water contaminants from

migration

Mechanisms

Phytochemical complexation in the root zone ndash

precipitation

Transport protein inhibition on the root membrane (B)

Vacuolar storage in the root cells (C)

Pb Cu Zn ndash Agrostis tenuis

Phytodegradation

It is the degradation or breakdownof organic contaminants by internaland external metabolic processesdriven by the plant

Mechanisms

(A) Plant enzymatic activity

oxygenases- hydrocarbons

nitroreductases- explosives

(B) Photosynthetic oxidation

Used in breakdown of ammunitionwastes chlorinated solvents suchas TCE (Trichloroethane)degradation of organic herbicides

Contd

External Process Internal Process

Rhizodegradation It is the breakdown of organic contaminants in the soil by soil dwelling

microbes which is enhanced by the rhizospherelsquos presence

Rhizosphere = soil + root + microbes

Symbiotic relation

Also called

Enhanced rhizosphere biodegradation

Phytostimulation

Plant assisted bioremediation

Sugars alcohols and organic acids act as carbohydrate sources for

the soil microflora and enhance microbial growth and activity

Act as chemotactic signals for certain microbes

The roots also loosen the soil and transport water to the rhizosphere

thus enhancing microbial activity

Digest organic pollutants such as fuels and solvents producing

harmless products

Phytovolatilization Plants uptake contaminants which are

water soluble and release them into the

atmosphere as they transpire the water

The contaminant may become modified

along the way as the water travels along

the plants vascular system from the roots

to the leaves whereby the

contaminants evaporate

or volatilize into the air surrounding the

plant

Poplar trees volatilize up to 90 of the

TCE they absorb

Selenium and Mercury - Arabidopsis

thaliana L and tobacco

Phytohydraulics

The use of plants to control the migration of

subsurface water through the rapid uptake of

large volumes of water by the plants

Plants - acting as natural hydraulic pumps

A dense root network established near the

water table can transpire up to 300 gallons of

water per day

This fact has been utilized to decrease the

migration of contaminants from surface water

into the groundwater (below the water table)

and drinking water supplies

LEVEL OF POLLUTANT

Sampling

Field sampling quality assurance

Avoiding contamination of

samples

Equipment cleaning

Sample labels

Recent trend

Immunoassay testing and other

technology may be used to provide

on site screening

This work shall only be carried out

by properly trained personnel

Parameter Media Acceptable

Test

Methods

Petroleum

Hydrocarbo

ns

Water amp

soil

Gas

chromatogra

phy

Volatiles

(including

BTEX)

Water amp

soil

Infra-red

based

methods

Semi-

volatiles

(including

PAH)

water EPA

Standards

Analytical methods

Measurement of aquatic biodegradation rates by determining

heterotrophic uptake of radiolabeled pollutants

F K Pfaender and G W Bartholomew

bull The heterotrophic uptake technique was modified to provide a rapid

and simple technique for estimating the rates of biodegradation of

organic pollutants under environmental conditions

bull The methodology is based on an evaluation of uptake into cells and

subsequent respiration of radiolabeled organic substrates in short-

term experiments

bull The resulting data can be used to calculate either turnover times or

if multiple concentrations of substrate are used kinetic parameters

bull The procedure was applied to assess the biodegradation rates of m-

cresol chlorobenzene nitrilotriacetic acid and 124-

trichlorobenzene in fresh brackish and marine water samples from

the coastal areas of North Carolina

bull Saturation kinetics for uptake were obtained with each of the

compounds tested

bull Rates of metabolism were shown to be dependent on sample

location and time of year

Introduction

Phytoremediation is the use of living green plants forin situ risk reduction andor removal of contaminantsfrom contaminated soil water sediments and air

OVERVIEW

Phytoextraction Plant roots uptake metal contaminants

from the soil and translocate them to

their above soil tissues

Once the plants have grown and

absorbed the metal pollutants they are

harvested and disposed off safely

This process is repeated several times to

reduce contamination to acceptable

levels

Hyper accumulator plant species are

used on many sites due to their

tolerance of relatively extreme levels of

pollution

Avena sp Brassica sp

Contaminants removed

Metal compounds that have been

successfully phytoextracted include zinc

copper and nickel

Rhizofiltration It is concerned with the remediation of contaminated groundwater

The contaminants are either adsorbed onto the root surface or are

absorbed by the plant roots

Plants used for rhizofiltration are acclimated to the pollutant

1

bull Plants are hydroponically grown in clean water rather than soil until a large root system has developed

2

bull Water supply is substituted for a polluted water supply to acclimatize the plant

3

bull They are planted in the polluted area where the roots uptake the polluted water and the contaminants along with it

4

bull As the roots become saturated they are harvested and disposed of safely

Chernobyl - sunflowers

were grown in radioactively

contaminated pools

Phytostabilisation To immobilize soil and water contaminants from

migration

Mechanisms

Phytochemical complexation in the root zone ndash

precipitation

Transport protein inhibition on the root membrane (B)

Vacuolar storage in the root cells (C)

Pb Cu Zn ndash Agrostis tenuis

Phytodegradation

It is the degradation or breakdownof organic contaminants by internaland external metabolic processesdriven by the plant

Mechanisms

(A) Plant enzymatic activity

oxygenases- hydrocarbons

nitroreductases- explosives

(B) Photosynthetic oxidation

Used in breakdown of ammunitionwastes chlorinated solvents suchas TCE (Trichloroethane)degradation of organic herbicides

Contd

External Process Internal Process

Rhizodegradation It is the breakdown of organic contaminants in the soil by soil dwelling

microbes which is enhanced by the rhizospherelsquos presence

Rhizosphere = soil + root + microbes

Symbiotic relation

Also called

Enhanced rhizosphere biodegradation

Phytostimulation

Plant assisted bioremediation

Sugars alcohols and organic acids act as carbohydrate sources for

the soil microflora and enhance microbial growth and activity

Act as chemotactic signals for certain microbes

The roots also loosen the soil and transport water to the rhizosphere

thus enhancing microbial activity

Digest organic pollutants such as fuels and solvents producing

harmless products

Phytovolatilization Plants uptake contaminants which are

water soluble and release them into the

atmosphere as they transpire the water

The contaminant may become modified

along the way as the water travels along

the plants vascular system from the roots

to the leaves whereby the

contaminants evaporate

or volatilize into the air surrounding the

plant

Poplar trees volatilize up to 90 of the

TCE they absorb

Selenium and Mercury - Arabidopsis

thaliana L and tobacco

Phytohydraulics

The use of plants to control the migration of

subsurface water through the rapid uptake of

large volumes of water by the plants

Plants - acting as natural hydraulic pumps

A dense root network established near the

water table can transpire up to 300 gallons of

water per day

This fact has been utilized to decrease the

migration of contaminants from surface water

into the groundwater (below the water table)

and drinking water supplies

LEVEL OF POLLUTANT

Sampling

Field sampling quality assurance

Avoiding contamination of

samples

Equipment cleaning

Sample labels

Recent trend

Immunoassay testing and other

technology may be used to provide

on site screening

This work shall only be carried out

by properly trained personnel

Parameter Media Acceptable

Test

Methods

Petroleum

Hydrocarbo

ns

Water amp

soil

Gas

chromatogra

phy

Volatiles

(including

BTEX)

Water amp

soil

Infra-red

based

methods

Semi-

volatiles

(including

PAH)

water EPA

Standards

Analytical methods

Measurement of aquatic biodegradation rates by determining

heterotrophic uptake of radiolabeled pollutants

F K Pfaender and G W Bartholomew

bull The heterotrophic uptake technique was modified to provide a rapid

and simple technique for estimating the rates of biodegradation of

organic pollutants under environmental conditions

bull The methodology is based on an evaluation of uptake into cells and

subsequent respiration of radiolabeled organic substrates in short-

term experiments

bull The resulting data can be used to calculate either turnover times or

if multiple concentrations of substrate are used kinetic parameters

bull The procedure was applied to assess the biodegradation rates of m-

cresol chlorobenzene nitrilotriacetic acid and 124-

trichlorobenzene in fresh brackish and marine water samples from

the coastal areas of North Carolina

bull Saturation kinetics for uptake were obtained with each of the

compounds tested

bull Rates of metabolism were shown to be dependent on sample

location and time of year

OVERVIEW

Phytoextraction Plant roots uptake metal contaminants

from the soil and translocate them to

their above soil tissues

Once the plants have grown and

absorbed the metal pollutants they are

harvested and disposed off safely

This process is repeated several times to

reduce contamination to acceptable

levels

Hyper accumulator plant species are

used on many sites due to their

tolerance of relatively extreme levels of

pollution

Avena sp Brassica sp

Contaminants removed

Metal compounds that have been

successfully phytoextracted include zinc

copper and nickel

Rhizofiltration It is concerned with the remediation of contaminated groundwater

The contaminants are either adsorbed onto the root surface or are

absorbed by the plant roots

Plants used for rhizofiltration are acclimated to the pollutant

1

bull Plants are hydroponically grown in clean water rather than soil until a large root system has developed

2

bull Water supply is substituted for a polluted water supply to acclimatize the plant

3

bull They are planted in the polluted area where the roots uptake the polluted water and the contaminants along with it

4

bull As the roots become saturated they are harvested and disposed of safely

Chernobyl - sunflowers

were grown in radioactively

contaminated pools

Phytostabilisation To immobilize soil and water contaminants from

migration

Mechanisms

Phytochemical complexation in the root zone ndash

precipitation

Transport protein inhibition on the root membrane (B)

Vacuolar storage in the root cells (C)

Pb Cu Zn ndash Agrostis tenuis

Phytodegradation

It is the degradation or breakdownof organic contaminants by internaland external metabolic processesdriven by the plant

Mechanisms

(A) Plant enzymatic activity

oxygenases- hydrocarbons

nitroreductases- explosives

(B) Photosynthetic oxidation

Used in breakdown of ammunitionwastes chlorinated solvents suchas TCE (Trichloroethane)degradation of organic herbicides

Contd

External Process Internal Process

Rhizodegradation It is the breakdown of organic contaminants in the soil by soil dwelling

microbes which is enhanced by the rhizospherelsquos presence

Rhizosphere = soil + root + microbes

Symbiotic relation

Also called

Enhanced rhizosphere biodegradation

Phytostimulation

Plant assisted bioremediation

Sugars alcohols and organic acids act as carbohydrate sources for

the soil microflora and enhance microbial growth and activity

Act as chemotactic signals for certain microbes

The roots also loosen the soil and transport water to the rhizosphere

thus enhancing microbial activity

Digest organic pollutants such as fuels and solvents producing

harmless products

Phytovolatilization Plants uptake contaminants which are

water soluble and release them into the

atmosphere as they transpire the water

The contaminant may become modified

along the way as the water travels along

the plants vascular system from the roots

to the leaves whereby the

contaminants evaporate

or volatilize into the air surrounding the

plant

Poplar trees volatilize up to 90 of the

TCE they absorb

Selenium and Mercury - Arabidopsis

thaliana L and tobacco

Phytohydraulics

The use of plants to control the migration of

subsurface water through the rapid uptake of

large volumes of water by the plants

Plants - acting as natural hydraulic pumps

A dense root network established near the

water table can transpire up to 300 gallons of

water per day

This fact has been utilized to decrease the

migration of contaminants from surface water

into the groundwater (below the water table)

and drinking water supplies

LEVEL OF POLLUTANT

Sampling

Field sampling quality assurance

Avoiding contamination of

samples

Equipment cleaning

Sample labels

Recent trend

Immunoassay testing and other

technology may be used to provide

on site screening

This work shall only be carried out

by properly trained personnel

Parameter Media Acceptable

Test

Methods

Petroleum

Hydrocarbo

ns

Water amp

soil

Gas

chromatogra

phy

Volatiles

(including

BTEX)

Water amp

soil

Infra-red

based

methods

Semi-

volatiles

(including

PAH)

water EPA

Standards

Analytical methods

Measurement of aquatic biodegradation rates by determining

heterotrophic uptake of radiolabeled pollutants

F K Pfaender and G W Bartholomew

bull The heterotrophic uptake technique was modified to provide a rapid

and simple technique for estimating the rates of biodegradation of

organic pollutants under environmental conditions

bull The methodology is based on an evaluation of uptake into cells and

subsequent respiration of radiolabeled organic substrates in short-

term experiments

bull The resulting data can be used to calculate either turnover times or

if multiple concentrations of substrate are used kinetic parameters

bull The procedure was applied to assess the biodegradation rates of m-

cresol chlorobenzene nitrilotriacetic acid and 124-

trichlorobenzene in fresh brackish and marine water samples from

the coastal areas of North Carolina

bull Saturation kinetics for uptake were obtained with each of the

compounds tested

bull Rates of metabolism were shown to be dependent on sample

location and time of year

Phytoextraction Plant roots uptake metal contaminants

from the soil and translocate them to

their above soil tissues

Once the plants have grown and

absorbed the metal pollutants they are

harvested and disposed off safely

This process is repeated several times to

reduce contamination to acceptable

levels

Hyper accumulator plant species are

used on many sites due to their

tolerance of relatively extreme levels of

pollution

Avena sp Brassica sp

Contaminants removed

Metal compounds that have been

successfully phytoextracted include zinc

copper and nickel

Rhizofiltration It is concerned with the remediation of contaminated groundwater

The contaminants are either adsorbed onto the root surface or are

absorbed by the plant roots

Plants used for rhizofiltration are acclimated to the pollutant

1

bull Plants are hydroponically grown in clean water rather than soil until a large root system has developed

2

bull Water supply is substituted for a polluted water supply to acclimatize the plant

3

bull They are planted in the polluted area where the roots uptake the polluted water and the contaminants along with it

4

bull As the roots become saturated they are harvested and disposed of safely

Chernobyl - sunflowers

were grown in radioactively

contaminated pools

Phytostabilisation To immobilize soil and water contaminants from

migration

Mechanisms

Phytochemical complexation in the root zone ndash

precipitation

Transport protein inhibition on the root membrane (B)

Vacuolar storage in the root cells (C)

Pb Cu Zn ndash Agrostis tenuis

Phytodegradation

It is the degradation or breakdownof organic contaminants by internaland external metabolic processesdriven by the plant

Mechanisms

(A) Plant enzymatic activity

oxygenases- hydrocarbons

nitroreductases- explosives

(B) Photosynthetic oxidation

Used in breakdown of ammunitionwastes chlorinated solvents suchas TCE (Trichloroethane)degradation of organic herbicides

Contd

External Process Internal Process

Rhizodegradation It is the breakdown of organic contaminants in the soil by soil dwelling

microbes which is enhanced by the rhizospherelsquos presence

Rhizosphere = soil + root + microbes

Symbiotic relation

Also called

Enhanced rhizosphere biodegradation

Phytostimulation

Plant assisted bioremediation

Sugars alcohols and organic acids act as carbohydrate sources for

the soil microflora and enhance microbial growth and activity

Act as chemotactic signals for certain microbes

The roots also loosen the soil and transport water to the rhizosphere

thus enhancing microbial activity

Digest organic pollutants such as fuels and solvents producing

harmless products

Phytovolatilization Plants uptake contaminants which are

water soluble and release them into the

atmosphere as they transpire the water

The contaminant may become modified

along the way as the water travels along

the plants vascular system from the roots

to the leaves whereby the

contaminants evaporate

or volatilize into the air surrounding the

plant

Poplar trees volatilize up to 90 of the

TCE they absorb

Selenium and Mercury - Arabidopsis

thaliana L and tobacco

Phytohydraulics

The use of plants to control the migration of

subsurface water through the rapid uptake of

large volumes of water by the plants

Plants - acting as natural hydraulic pumps

A dense root network established near the

water table can transpire up to 300 gallons of

water per day

This fact has been utilized to decrease the

migration of contaminants from surface water

into the groundwater (below the water table)

and drinking water supplies

LEVEL OF POLLUTANT

Sampling

Field sampling quality assurance

Avoiding contamination of

samples

Equipment cleaning

Sample labels

Recent trend

Immunoassay testing and other

technology may be used to provide

on site screening

This work shall only be carried out

by properly trained personnel

Parameter Media Acceptable

Test

Methods

Petroleum

Hydrocarbo

ns

Water amp

soil

Gas

chromatogra

phy

Volatiles

(including

BTEX)

Water amp

soil

Infra-red

based

methods

Semi-

volatiles

(including

PAH)

water EPA

Standards

Analytical methods

Measurement of aquatic biodegradation rates by determining

heterotrophic uptake of radiolabeled pollutants

F K Pfaender and G W Bartholomew

bull The heterotrophic uptake technique was modified to provide a rapid

and simple technique for estimating the rates of biodegradation of

organic pollutants under environmental conditions

bull The methodology is based on an evaluation of uptake into cells and

subsequent respiration of radiolabeled organic substrates in short-

term experiments

bull The resulting data can be used to calculate either turnover times or

if multiple concentrations of substrate are used kinetic parameters

bull The procedure was applied to assess the biodegradation rates of m-

cresol chlorobenzene nitrilotriacetic acid and 124-

trichlorobenzene in fresh brackish and marine water samples from

the coastal areas of North Carolina

bull Saturation kinetics for uptake were obtained with each of the

compounds tested

bull Rates of metabolism were shown to be dependent on sample

location and time of year

Rhizofiltration It is concerned with the remediation of contaminated groundwater

The contaminants are either adsorbed onto the root surface or are

absorbed by the plant roots

Plants used for rhizofiltration are acclimated to the pollutant

1

bull Plants are hydroponically grown in clean water rather than soil until a large root system has developed

2

bull Water supply is substituted for a polluted water supply to acclimatize the plant

3

bull They are planted in the polluted area where the roots uptake the polluted water and the contaminants along with it

4

bull As the roots become saturated they are harvested and disposed of safely

Chernobyl - sunflowers

were grown in radioactively

contaminated pools

Phytostabilisation To immobilize soil and water contaminants from

migration

Mechanisms

Phytochemical complexation in the root zone ndash

precipitation

Transport protein inhibition on the root membrane (B)

Vacuolar storage in the root cells (C)

Pb Cu Zn ndash Agrostis tenuis

Phytodegradation

It is the degradation or breakdownof organic contaminants by internaland external metabolic processesdriven by the plant

Mechanisms

(A) Plant enzymatic activity

oxygenases- hydrocarbons

nitroreductases- explosives

(B) Photosynthetic oxidation

Used in breakdown of ammunitionwastes chlorinated solvents suchas TCE (Trichloroethane)degradation of organic herbicides

Contd

External Process Internal Process

Rhizodegradation It is the breakdown of organic contaminants in the soil by soil dwelling

microbes which is enhanced by the rhizospherelsquos presence

Rhizosphere = soil + root + microbes

Symbiotic relation

Also called

Enhanced rhizosphere biodegradation

Phytostimulation

Plant assisted bioremediation

Sugars alcohols and organic acids act as carbohydrate sources for

the soil microflora and enhance microbial growth and activity

Act as chemotactic signals for certain microbes

The roots also loosen the soil and transport water to the rhizosphere

thus enhancing microbial activity

Digest organic pollutants such as fuels and solvents producing

harmless products

Phytovolatilization Plants uptake contaminants which are

water soluble and release them into the

atmosphere as they transpire the water

The contaminant may become modified

along the way as the water travels along

the plants vascular system from the roots

to the leaves whereby the

contaminants evaporate

or volatilize into the air surrounding the

plant

Poplar trees volatilize up to 90 of the

TCE they absorb

Selenium and Mercury - Arabidopsis

thaliana L and tobacco

Phytohydraulics

The use of plants to control the migration of

subsurface water through the rapid uptake of

large volumes of water by the plants

Plants - acting as natural hydraulic pumps

A dense root network established near the

water table can transpire up to 300 gallons of

water per day

This fact has been utilized to decrease the

migration of contaminants from surface water

into the groundwater (below the water table)

and drinking water supplies

LEVEL OF POLLUTANT

Sampling

Field sampling quality assurance

Avoiding contamination of

samples

Equipment cleaning

Sample labels

Recent trend

Immunoassay testing and other

technology may be used to provide

on site screening

This work shall only be carried out

by properly trained personnel

Parameter Media Acceptable

Test

Methods

Petroleum

Hydrocarbo

ns

Water amp

soil

Gas

chromatogra

phy

Volatiles

(including

BTEX)

Water amp

soil

Infra-red

based

methods

Semi-

volatiles

(including

PAH)

water EPA

Standards

Analytical methods

Measurement of aquatic biodegradation rates by determining

heterotrophic uptake of radiolabeled pollutants

F K Pfaender and G W Bartholomew

bull The heterotrophic uptake technique was modified to provide a rapid

and simple technique for estimating the rates of biodegradation of

organic pollutants under environmental conditions

bull The methodology is based on an evaluation of uptake into cells and

subsequent respiration of radiolabeled organic substrates in short-

term experiments

bull The resulting data can be used to calculate either turnover times or

if multiple concentrations of substrate are used kinetic parameters

bull The procedure was applied to assess the biodegradation rates of m-

cresol chlorobenzene nitrilotriacetic acid and 124-

trichlorobenzene in fresh brackish and marine water samples from

the coastal areas of North Carolina

bull Saturation kinetics for uptake were obtained with each of the

compounds tested

bull Rates of metabolism were shown to be dependent on sample

location and time of year

Phytostabilisation To immobilize soil and water contaminants from

migration

Mechanisms

Phytochemical complexation in the root zone ndash

precipitation

Transport protein inhibition on the root membrane (B)

Vacuolar storage in the root cells (C)

Pb Cu Zn ndash Agrostis tenuis

Phytodegradation

It is the degradation or breakdownof organic contaminants by internaland external metabolic processesdriven by the plant

Mechanisms

(A) Plant enzymatic activity

oxygenases- hydrocarbons

nitroreductases- explosives

(B) Photosynthetic oxidation

Used in breakdown of ammunitionwastes chlorinated solvents suchas TCE (Trichloroethane)degradation of organic herbicides

Contd

External Process Internal Process

Rhizodegradation It is the breakdown of organic contaminants in the soil by soil dwelling

microbes which is enhanced by the rhizospherelsquos presence

Rhizosphere = soil + root + microbes

Symbiotic relation

Also called

Enhanced rhizosphere biodegradation

Phytostimulation

Plant assisted bioremediation

Sugars alcohols and organic acids act as carbohydrate sources for

the soil microflora and enhance microbial growth and activity

Act as chemotactic signals for certain microbes

The roots also loosen the soil and transport water to the rhizosphere

thus enhancing microbial activity

Digest organic pollutants such as fuels and solvents producing

harmless products

Phytovolatilization Plants uptake contaminants which are

water soluble and release them into the

atmosphere as they transpire the water

The contaminant may become modified

along the way as the water travels along

the plants vascular system from the roots

to the leaves whereby the

contaminants evaporate

or volatilize into the air surrounding the

plant

Poplar trees volatilize up to 90 of the

TCE they absorb

Selenium and Mercury - Arabidopsis

thaliana L and tobacco

Phytohydraulics

The use of plants to control the migration of

subsurface water through the rapid uptake of

large volumes of water by the plants

Plants - acting as natural hydraulic pumps

A dense root network established near the

water table can transpire up to 300 gallons of

water per day

This fact has been utilized to decrease the

migration of contaminants from surface water

into the groundwater (below the water table)

and drinking water supplies

LEVEL OF POLLUTANT

Sampling

Field sampling quality assurance

Avoiding contamination of

samples

Equipment cleaning

Sample labels

Recent trend

Immunoassay testing and other

technology may be used to provide

on site screening

This work shall only be carried out

by properly trained personnel

Parameter Media Acceptable

Test

Methods

Petroleum

Hydrocarbo

ns

Water amp

soil

Gas

chromatogra

phy

Volatiles

(including

BTEX)

Water amp

soil

Infra-red

based

methods

Semi-

volatiles

(including

PAH)

water EPA

Standards

Analytical methods

Measurement of aquatic biodegradation rates by determining

heterotrophic uptake of radiolabeled pollutants

F K Pfaender and G W Bartholomew

bull The heterotrophic uptake technique was modified to provide a rapid

and simple technique for estimating the rates of biodegradation of

organic pollutants under environmental conditions

bull The methodology is based on an evaluation of uptake into cells and

subsequent respiration of radiolabeled organic substrates in short-

term experiments

bull The resulting data can be used to calculate either turnover times or

if multiple concentrations of substrate are used kinetic parameters

bull The procedure was applied to assess the biodegradation rates of m-

cresol chlorobenzene nitrilotriacetic acid and 124-

trichlorobenzene in fresh brackish and marine water samples from

the coastal areas of North Carolina

bull Saturation kinetics for uptake were obtained with each of the

compounds tested

bull Rates of metabolism were shown to be dependent on sample

location and time of year

Phytodegradation

It is the degradation or breakdownof organic contaminants by internaland external metabolic processesdriven by the plant

Mechanisms

(A) Plant enzymatic activity

oxygenases- hydrocarbons

nitroreductases- explosives

(B) Photosynthetic oxidation

Used in breakdown of ammunitionwastes chlorinated solvents suchas TCE (Trichloroethane)degradation of organic herbicides

Contd

External Process Internal Process

Rhizodegradation It is the breakdown of organic contaminants in the soil by soil dwelling

microbes which is enhanced by the rhizospherelsquos presence

Rhizosphere = soil + root + microbes

Symbiotic relation

Also called

Enhanced rhizosphere biodegradation

Phytostimulation

Plant assisted bioremediation

Sugars alcohols and organic acids act as carbohydrate sources for

the soil microflora and enhance microbial growth and activity

Act as chemotactic signals for certain microbes

The roots also loosen the soil and transport water to the rhizosphere

thus enhancing microbial activity

Digest organic pollutants such as fuels and solvents producing

harmless products

Phytovolatilization Plants uptake contaminants which are

water soluble and release them into the

atmosphere as they transpire the water

The contaminant may become modified

along the way as the water travels along

the plants vascular system from the roots

to the leaves whereby the

contaminants evaporate

or volatilize into the air surrounding the

plant

Poplar trees volatilize up to 90 of the

TCE they absorb

Selenium and Mercury - Arabidopsis

thaliana L and tobacco

Phytohydraulics

The use of plants to control the migration of

subsurface water through the rapid uptake of

large volumes of water by the plants

Plants - acting as natural hydraulic pumps

A dense root network established near the

water table can transpire up to 300 gallons of

water per day

This fact has been utilized to decrease the

migration of contaminants from surface water

into the groundwater (below the water table)

and drinking water supplies

LEVEL OF POLLUTANT

Sampling

Field sampling quality assurance

Avoiding contamination of

samples

Equipment cleaning

Sample labels

Recent trend

Immunoassay testing and other

technology may be used to provide

on site screening

This work shall only be carried out

by properly trained personnel

Parameter Media Acceptable

Test

Methods

Petroleum

Hydrocarbo

ns

Water amp

soil

Gas

chromatogra

phy

Volatiles

(including

BTEX)

Water amp

soil

Infra-red

based

methods

Semi-

volatiles

(including

PAH)

water EPA

Standards

Analytical methods

Measurement of aquatic biodegradation rates by determining

heterotrophic uptake of radiolabeled pollutants

F K Pfaender and G W Bartholomew

bull The heterotrophic uptake technique was modified to provide a rapid

and simple technique for estimating the rates of biodegradation of

organic pollutants under environmental conditions

bull The methodology is based on an evaluation of uptake into cells and

subsequent respiration of radiolabeled organic substrates in short-

term experiments

bull The resulting data can be used to calculate either turnover times or

if multiple concentrations of substrate are used kinetic parameters

bull The procedure was applied to assess the biodegradation rates of m-

cresol chlorobenzene nitrilotriacetic acid and 124-

trichlorobenzene in fresh brackish and marine water samples from

the coastal areas of North Carolina

bull Saturation kinetics for uptake were obtained with each of the

compounds tested

bull Rates of metabolism were shown to be dependent on sample

location and time of year

Contd

External Process Internal Process

Rhizodegradation It is the breakdown of organic contaminants in the soil by soil dwelling

microbes which is enhanced by the rhizospherelsquos presence

Rhizosphere = soil + root + microbes

Symbiotic relation

Also called

Enhanced rhizosphere biodegradation

Phytostimulation

Plant assisted bioremediation

Sugars alcohols and organic acids act as carbohydrate sources for

the soil microflora and enhance microbial growth and activity

Act as chemotactic signals for certain microbes

The roots also loosen the soil and transport water to the rhizosphere

thus enhancing microbial activity

Digest organic pollutants such as fuels and solvents producing

harmless products

Phytovolatilization Plants uptake contaminants which are

water soluble and release them into the

atmosphere as they transpire the water

The contaminant may become modified

along the way as the water travels along

the plants vascular system from the roots

to the leaves whereby the

contaminants evaporate

or volatilize into the air surrounding the

plant

Poplar trees volatilize up to 90 of the

TCE they absorb

Selenium and Mercury - Arabidopsis

thaliana L and tobacco

Phytohydraulics

The use of plants to control the migration of

subsurface water through the rapid uptake of

large volumes of water by the plants

Plants - acting as natural hydraulic pumps

A dense root network established near the

water table can transpire up to 300 gallons of

water per day

This fact has been utilized to decrease the

migration of contaminants from surface water

into the groundwater (below the water table)

and drinking water supplies

LEVEL OF POLLUTANT

Sampling

Field sampling quality assurance

Avoiding contamination of

samples

Equipment cleaning

Sample labels

Recent trend

Immunoassay testing and other

technology may be used to provide

on site screening

This work shall only be carried out

by properly trained personnel

Parameter Media Acceptable

Test

Methods

Petroleum

Hydrocarbo

ns

Water amp

soil

Gas

chromatogra

phy

Volatiles

(including

BTEX)

Water amp

soil

Infra-red

based

methods

Semi-

volatiles

(including

PAH)

water EPA

Standards

Analytical methods

Measurement of aquatic biodegradation rates by determining

heterotrophic uptake of radiolabeled pollutants

F K Pfaender and G W Bartholomew

bull The heterotrophic uptake technique was modified to provide a rapid

and simple technique for estimating the rates of biodegradation of

organic pollutants under environmental conditions

bull The methodology is based on an evaluation of uptake into cells and

subsequent respiration of radiolabeled organic substrates in short-

term experiments

bull The resulting data can be used to calculate either turnover times or

if multiple concentrations of substrate are used kinetic parameters

bull The procedure was applied to assess the biodegradation rates of m-

cresol chlorobenzene nitrilotriacetic acid and 124-

trichlorobenzene in fresh brackish and marine water samples from

the coastal areas of North Carolina

bull Saturation kinetics for uptake were obtained with each of the

compounds tested

bull Rates of metabolism were shown to be dependent on sample

location and time of year

Rhizodegradation It is the breakdown of organic contaminants in the soil by soil dwelling

microbes which is enhanced by the rhizospherelsquos presence

Rhizosphere = soil + root + microbes

Symbiotic relation

Also called

Enhanced rhizosphere biodegradation

Phytostimulation

Plant assisted bioremediation

Sugars alcohols and organic acids act as carbohydrate sources for

the soil microflora and enhance microbial growth and activity

Act as chemotactic signals for certain microbes

The roots also loosen the soil and transport water to the rhizosphere

thus enhancing microbial activity

Digest organic pollutants such as fuels and solvents producing

harmless products

Phytovolatilization Plants uptake contaminants which are

water soluble and release them into the

atmosphere as they transpire the water

The contaminant may become modified

along the way as the water travels along

the plants vascular system from the roots

to the leaves whereby the

contaminants evaporate

or volatilize into the air surrounding the

plant

Poplar trees volatilize up to 90 of the

TCE they absorb

Selenium and Mercury - Arabidopsis

thaliana L and tobacco

Phytohydraulics

The use of plants to control the migration of

subsurface water through the rapid uptake of

large volumes of water by the plants

Plants - acting as natural hydraulic pumps

A dense root network established near the

water table can transpire up to 300 gallons of

water per day

This fact has been utilized to decrease the

migration of contaminants from surface water

into the groundwater (below the water table)

and drinking water supplies

LEVEL OF POLLUTANT

Sampling

Field sampling quality assurance

Avoiding contamination of

samples

Equipment cleaning

Sample labels

Recent trend

Immunoassay testing and other

technology may be used to provide

on site screening

This work shall only be carried out

by properly trained personnel

Parameter Media Acceptable

Test

Methods

Petroleum

Hydrocarbo

ns

Water amp

soil

Gas

chromatogra

phy

Volatiles

(including

BTEX)

Water amp

soil

Infra-red

based

methods

Semi-

volatiles

(including

PAH)

water EPA

Standards

Analytical methods

Measurement of aquatic biodegradation rates by determining

heterotrophic uptake of radiolabeled pollutants

F K Pfaender and G W Bartholomew

bull The heterotrophic uptake technique was modified to provide a rapid

and simple technique for estimating the rates of biodegradation of

organic pollutants under environmental conditions

bull The methodology is based on an evaluation of uptake into cells and

subsequent respiration of radiolabeled organic substrates in short-

term experiments

bull The resulting data can be used to calculate either turnover times or

if multiple concentrations of substrate are used kinetic parameters

bull The procedure was applied to assess the biodegradation rates of m-

cresol chlorobenzene nitrilotriacetic acid and 124-

trichlorobenzene in fresh brackish and marine water samples from

the coastal areas of North Carolina

bull Saturation kinetics for uptake were obtained with each of the

compounds tested

bull Rates of metabolism were shown to be dependent on sample

location and time of year

Phytovolatilization Plants uptake contaminants which are

water soluble and release them into the

atmosphere as they transpire the water

The contaminant may become modified

along the way as the water travels along

the plants vascular system from the roots

to the leaves whereby the

contaminants evaporate

or volatilize into the air surrounding the

plant

Poplar trees volatilize up to 90 of the

TCE they absorb

Selenium and Mercury - Arabidopsis

thaliana L and tobacco

Phytohydraulics

The use of plants to control the migration of

subsurface water through the rapid uptake of

large volumes of water by the plants

Plants - acting as natural hydraulic pumps

A dense root network established near the

water table can transpire up to 300 gallons of

water per day

This fact has been utilized to decrease the

migration of contaminants from surface water

into the groundwater (below the water table)

and drinking water supplies

LEVEL OF POLLUTANT

Sampling

Field sampling quality assurance

Avoiding contamination of

samples

Equipment cleaning

Sample labels

Recent trend

Immunoassay testing and other

technology may be used to provide

on site screening

This work shall only be carried out

by properly trained personnel

Parameter Media Acceptable

Test

Methods

Petroleum

Hydrocarbo

ns

Water amp

soil

Gas

chromatogra

phy

Volatiles

(including

BTEX)

Water amp

soil

Infra-red

based

methods

Semi-

volatiles

(including

PAH)

water EPA

Standards

Analytical methods

Measurement of aquatic biodegradation rates by determining

heterotrophic uptake of radiolabeled pollutants

F K Pfaender and G W Bartholomew

bull The heterotrophic uptake technique was modified to provide a rapid

and simple technique for estimating the rates of biodegradation of

organic pollutants under environmental conditions

bull The methodology is based on an evaluation of uptake into cells and

subsequent respiration of radiolabeled organic substrates in short-

term experiments

bull The resulting data can be used to calculate either turnover times or

if multiple concentrations of substrate are used kinetic parameters

bull The procedure was applied to assess the biodegradation rates of m-

cresol chlorobenzene nitrilotriacetic acid and 124-

trichlorobenzene in fresh brackish and marine water samples from

the coastal areas of North Carolina

bull Saturation kinetics for uptake were obtained with each of the

compounds tested

bull Rates of metabolism were shown to be dependent on sample

location and time of year

Phytohydraulics

The use of plants to control the migration of

subsurface water through the rapid uptake of

large volumes of water by the plants

Plants - acting as natural hydraulic pumps

A dense root network established near the

water table can transpire up to 300 gallons of

water per day

This fact has been utilized to decrease the

migration of contaminants from surface water

into the groundwater (below the water table)

and drinking water supplies

LEVEL OF POLLUTANT

Sampling

Field sampling quality assurance

Avoiding contamination of

samples

Equipment cleaning

Sample labels

Recent trend

Immunoassay testing and other

technology may be used to provide

on site screening

This work shall only be carried out

by properly trained personnel

Parameter Media Acceptable

Test

Methods

Petroleum

Hydrocarbo

ns

Water amp

soil

Gas

chromatogra

phy

Volatiles

(including

BTEX)

Water amp

soil

Infra-red

based

methods

Semi-

volatiles

(including

PAH)

water EPA

Standards

Analytical methods

Measurement of aquatic biodegradation rates by determining

heterotrophic uptake of radiolabeled pollutants

F K Pfaender and G W Bartholomew

bull The heterotrophic uptake technique was modified to provide a rapid

and simple technique for estimating the rates of biodegradation of

organic pollutants under environmental conditions

bull The methodology is based on an evaluation of uptake into cells and

subsequent respiration of radiolabeled organic substrates in short-

term experiments

bull The resulting data can be used to calculate either turnover times or

if multiple concentrations of substrate are used kinetic parameters

bull The procedure was applied to assess the biodegradation rates of m-

cresol chlorobenzene nitrilotriacetic acid and 124-

trichlorobenzene in fresh brackish and marine water samples from

the coastal areas of North Carolina

bull Saturation kinetics for uptake were obtained with each of the

compounds tested

bull Rates of metabolism were shown to be dependent on sample

location and time of year

LEVEL OF POLLUTANT

Sampling

Field sampling quality assurance

Avoiding contamination of

samples

Equipment cleaning

Sample labels

Recent trend

Immunoassay testing and other

technology may be used to provide

on site screening

This work shall only be carried out

by properly trained personnel

Parameter Media Acceptable

Test

Methods

Petroleum

Hydrocarbo

ns

Water amp

soil

Gas

chromatogra

phy

Volatiles

(including

BTEX)

Water amp

soil

Infra-red

based

methods

Semi-

volatiles

(including

PAH)

water EPA

Standards

Analytical methods

Measurement of aquatic biodegradation rates by determining

heterotrophic uptake of radiolabeled pollutants

F K Pfaender and G W Bartholomew

bull The heterotrophic uptake technique was modified to provide a rapid

and simple technique for estimating the rates of biodegradation of

organic pollutants under environmental conditions

bull The methodology is based on an evaluation of uptake into cells and

subsequent respiration of radiolabeled organic substrates in short-

term experiments

bull The resulting data can be used to calculate either turnover times or

if multiple concentrations of substrate are used kinetic parameters

bull The procedure was applied to assess the biodegradation rates of m-

cresol chlorobenzene nitrilotriacetic acid and 124-

trichlorobenzene in fresh brackish and marine water samples from

the coastal areas of North Carolina

bull Saturation kinetics for uptake were obtained with each of the

compounds tested

bull Rates of metabolism were shown to be dependent on sample

location and time of year

Measurement of aquatic biodegradation rates by determining

heterotrophic uptake of radiolabeled pollutants

F K Pfaender and G W Bartholomew

bull The heterotrophic uptake technique was modified to provide a rapid

and simple technique for estimating the rates of biodegradation of

organic pollutants under environmental conditions

bull The methodology is based on an evaluation of uptake into cells and

subsequent respiration of radiolabeled organic substrates in short-

term experiments

bull The resulting data can be used to calculate either turnover times or

if multiple concentrations of substrate are used kinetic parameters

bull The procedure was applied to assess the biodegradation rates of m-

cresol chlorobenzene nitrilotriacetic acid and 124-

trichlorobenzene in fresh brackish and marine water samples from

the coastal areas of North Carolina

bull Saturation kinetics for uptake were obtained with each of the

compounds tested

bull Rates of metabolism were shown to be dependent on sample

location and time of year

Phytoremediation amp Biotechnology

Maximizing potential for phytoremediation

GM approaches can be used to over express the enzymes involved in

the existing plant metabolic pathways or to introduce new pathways

into plants

Richard Meagher and colleagues introduced a new pathway

into Arabidopsis to detoxify methylmercury a common form of

environmental pollutant to elemental mercury which can be volatilised

by the plant

Mer B

Organomercurial Lyase

Methyl Mercury Ionic Mercury

MerA

Mercuric Reductase

Ionic Mercury Elemental Form

The genes originated in gram-negative bacteria

Arabidopsis plants were transformed with either MerA or MerB coupled with aconstitutive promoter

The MerA plants were more tolerant to ionic mercury volatilised elementalmercury and were unaffected in their tolerance of methylmercury

The MerB Plants were significantly more tolerant to methylmercury and otherorganomercurials and could also convert methylmercury to ionic mercury whichis approximately 100 times less toxic to plants

MerA MerB double transgenics were produced in an F2 generation These plantsnot only showed a greater resistance to organic mercury when compared to theMerA MerB and wildtype plants but also capable of volatilizing mercury whensupplied with methylmercury

The same MerAMerB inserts have been used in other plant species includingtobacco(Nicotiana tabacum) yellow poplar(Liriodendron tulipifera)

Wetland species (bulrush and cat-tail) and water tolerant trees (willow and poplar)have also been targetted for transformation

Risk Assessment

Potential for the gene to recombine with other genes possibly

leading to the hyperaccumulation of non-contaminant

compounds

Reportermarker genes may also escape into the environment

The GM plants may revert to a wild type genotype

Advantages of phytoremediation

It is more economically viable using the same tools and

supplies as agriculture

It is less disruptive to the environment

Disposal sites are not needed

Aesthetically pleasing than traditional methods

Avoids excavation and transport of polluted media thus

reducing the risk of spreading the contamination

It has the potential to treat sites polluted with more

than one type of pollutant

Disadvantages of phytoremediation

Growing conditions required by the plant (ie Climate

geology altitude temperature)

Tolerance of the plant to the pollutant

Contaminants collected in senescing tissues may be released

back into the environment in autumn

Contaminants may be collected in woody tissues used as fuel

Time taken to remediate sites far exceeds that of other

technologies

Contaminant solubility may be increased leading to greater

environmental damage and the possibility of leaching

Mer B

Organomercurial Lyase

Methyl Mercury Ionic Mercury

MerA

Mercuric Reductase

Ionic Mercury Elemental Form

The genes originated in gram-negative bacteria

Arabidopsis plants were transformed with either MerA or MerB coupled with aconstitutive promoter

The MerA plants were more tolerant to ionic mercury volatilised elementalmercury and were unaffected in their tolerance of methylmercury

The MerB Plants were significantly more tolerant to methylmercury and otherorganomercurials and could also convert methylmercury to ionic mercury whichis approximately 100 times less toxic to plants

MerA MerB double transgenics were produced in an F2 generation These plantsnot only showed a greater resistance to organic mercury when compared to theMerA MerB and wildtype plants but also capable of volatilizing mercury whensupplied with methylmercury

The same MerAMerB inserts have been used in other plant species includingtobacco(Nicotiana tabacum) yellow poplar(Liriodendron tulipifera)

Wetland species (bulrush and cat-tail) and water tolerant trees (willow and poplar)have also been targetted for transformation

Risk Assessment

Potential for the gene to recombine with other genes possibly

leading to the hyperaccumulation of non-contaminant

compounds

Reportermarker genes may also escape into the environment

The GM plants may revert to a wild type genotype

Advantages of phytoremediation

It is more economically viable using the same tools and

supplies as agriculture

It is less disruptive to the environment

Disposal sites are not needed

Aesthetically pleasing than traditional methods

Avoids excavation and transport of polluted media thus

reducing the risk of spreading the contamination

It has the potential to treat sites polluted with more

than one type of pollutant

Disadvantages of phytoremediation

Growing conditions required by the plant (ie Climate

geology altitude temperature)

Tolerance of the plant to the pollutant

Contaminants collected in senescing tissues may be released

back into the environment in autumn

Contaminants may be collected in woody tissues used as fuel

Time taken to remediate sites far exceeds that of other

technologies

Contaminant solubility may be increased leading to greater

environmental damage and the possibility of leaching

Arabidopsis plants were transformed with either MerA or MerB coupled with aconstitutive promoter

The MerA plants were more tolerant to ionic mercury volatilised elementalmercury and were unaffected in their tolerance of methylmercury

The MerB Plants were significantly more tolerant to methylmercury and otherorganomercurials and could also convert methylmercury to ionic mercury whichis approximately 100 times less toxic to plants

MerA MerB double transgenics were produced in an F2 generation These plantsnot only showed a greater resistance to organic mercury when compared to theMerA MerB and wildtype plants but also capable of volatilizing mercury whensupplied with methylmercury

The same MerAMerB inserts have been used in other plant species includingtobacco(Nicotiana tabacum) yellow poplar(Liriodendron tulipifera)

Wetland species (bulrush and cat-tail) and water tolerant trees (willow and poplar)have also been targetted for transformation

Risk Assessment

Potential for the gene to recombine with other genes possibly

leading to the hyperaccumulation of non-contaminant

compounds

Reportermarker genes may also escape into the environment

The GM plants may revert to a wild type genotype

Advantages of phytoremediation

It is more economically viable using the same tools and

supplies as agriculture

It is less disruptive to the environment

Disposal sites are not needed

Aesthetically pleasing than traditional methods

Avoids excavation and transport of polluted media thus

reducing the risk of spreading the contamination

It has the potential to treat sites polluted with more

than one type of pollutant

Disadvantages of phytoremediation

Growing conditions required by the plant (ie Climate

geology altitude temperature)

Tolerance of the plant to the pollutant

Contaminants collected in senescing tissues may be released

back into the environment in autumn

Contaminants may be collected in woody tissues used as fuel

Time taken to remediate sites far exceeds that of other

technologies

Contaminant solubility may be increased leading to greater

environmental damage and the possibility of leaching

Risk Assessment

Potential for the gene to recombine with other genes possibly

leading to the hyperaccumulation of non-contaminant

compounds

Reportermarker genes may also escape into the environment

The GM plants may revert to a wild type genotype

Advantages of phytoremediation

It is more economically viable using the same tools and

supplies as agriculture

It is less disruptive to the environment

Disposal sites are not needed

Aesthetically pleasing than traditional methods

Avoids excavation and transport of polluted media thus

reducing the risk of spreading the contamination

It has the potential to treat sites polluted with more

than one type of pollutant

Disadvantages of phytoremediation

Growing conditions required by the plant (ie Climate

geology altitude temperature)

Tolerance of the plant to the pollutant

Contaminants collected in senescing tissues may be released

back into the environment in autumn

Contaminants may be collected in woody tissues used as fuel

Time taken to remediate sites far exceeds that of other

technologies

Contaminant solubility may be increased leading to greater

environmental damage and the possibility of leaching

Advantages of phytoremediation

It is more economically viable using the same tools and

supplies as agriculture

It is less disruptive to the environment

Disposal sites are not needed

Aesthetically pleasing than traditional methods

Avoids excavation and transport of polluted media thus

reducing the risk of spreading the contamination

It has the potential to treat sites polluted with more

than one type of pollutant

Disadvantages of phytoremediation

Growing conditions required by the plant (ie Climate

geology altitude temperature)

Tolerance of the plant to the pollutant

Contaminants collected in senescing tissues may be released

back into the environment in autumn

Contaminants may be collected in woody tissues used as fuel

Time taken to remediate sites far exceeds that of other

technologies

Contaminant solubility may be increased leading to greater

environmental damage and the possibility of leaching

Disadvantages of phytoremediation

Growing conditions required by the plant (ie Climate

geology altitude temperature)

Tolerance of the plant to the pollutant

Contaminants collected in senescing tissues may be released

back into the environment in autumn

Contaminants may be collected in woody tissues used as fuel

Time taken to remediate sites far exceeds that of other

technologies

Contaminant solubility may be increased leading to greater

environmental damage and the possibility of leaching