The Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals from Soil and Groundwater by Phreatophytic Trees

The extensive use of heavy metals in prior industrial/military operations has resulted in numerous sites with soil/groundwater contamination. Phytoremediation research has shown that plants can successfully uptake heavy metals from contaminated sites. Recent research on phytoremediation of heavy metals has focused on vegetation such as Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactiloides) and Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) both of which are typically limited by relatively shallow root systems. The proposed research will focus on aggressively growing phreatophytic (water loving plants) that have potential to impact deeper contaminated soil and ground water and thereby expand the role of phytoremediation for deep soil and ground contaminants. The proposed project will continue work conducted by Applied Natural Sciences and Argonne National Laboratory irvestigating in-field findings that hybrid poplars and willows (Salix sp.) will be evaluated to determine their ability to remove arsenic and lead from the soil solution. Partitioning of heavy metals in the roots, stems and leaves will be a primary focus. Commercial application of phytoremediation approaches for treatment of heavy metal contaminants using deeper rooted plants will extend this low cost alternative for in-place treatment to a substantially greater number of sites. Additional verification of this technology for selected contaminants, will permit their implementation at site characterization with these problems. Identification of a cost effective method for the immobilization of heavy metal contaminants from soil.