Which remediation approach uses living green plants for in situ removal of contaminants from soils and water?

Which remediation approach uses living green plants for in situ removal of contaminants from soils and water?

• A. Bioremediation
• B. Excavation
• C. Phytoremediation
• D. Incineration

Answer: (C)

Phytoremediation uses living green plants to remove, stabilize, or transform contaminants directly in the field. Because it happens in place (in situ), cleanup happens where the pollution sits without digging up the soil. Plants can take up metals into their tissues (phytoextraction), break down organic pollutants in the root zone and shoots (phytodegradation), immobilize contaminants to prevent spread (phytostabilization), or cleanse water through the plant roots and associated microbes (rhizofiltration). Some plants can even release certain contaminants into the air (phytovolatilization). This approach is chosen when contaminants can be effectively addressed by plant-based processes and when minimizing disturbance and cost is important. Other methods involve non-plant processes like using microbes without plants, physically removing soil, or burning the waste, which do not fit the description of using living green plants in situ.

Phytoremediation uses living green plants to remove, stabilize, or transform contaminants directly in the field. Because it happens in place (in situ), cleanup happens where the pollution sits without digging up the soil. Plants can take up metals into their tissues (phytoextraction), break down organic pollutants in the root zone and shoots (phytodegradation), immobilize contaminants to prevent spread (phytostabilization), or cleanse water through the plant roots and associated microbes (rhizofiltration). Some plants can even release certain contaminants into the air (phytovolatilization). This approach is chosen when contaminants can be effectively addressed by plant-based processes and when minimizing disturbance and cost is important. Other methods involve non-plant processes like using microbes without plants, physically removing soil, or burning the waste, which do not fit the description of using living green plants in situ.