Phytoremediation: Role of Plants in Contaminated Site Management

Abstract

Phytoremediation by VGT is a low cost technology as compared to conventional (engineering) methods for site remediation. It is also virtually maintenance free, the grasses regrow very quickly and its efficiency improves with age (Truong 1999). Social acceptance of a particular technology in remediation of contaminated lands and water bodies has also become an important issue, as it directly affects the life of community. Biological technologies based on the use of plants are more acceptable to people, as it creates a green and aesthetic view and also provides some useful materials. Several plants are being identified and trialed to be used in the phytoremediation task. Important among them are other grasses like the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum), Rhodes grass (Chloris guyana), the tall wheat grass (Thynopyron elongatum), common reed grass (Phragmites australis), the munj grass (Sachharum munja) and Imperata cylindrica. Other plants are the marine couch (Sporobolus virginicus), cumbungi (Typha domingensis) and Sarcocrina spp. They are highly salt and toxicity tolerant and have extensive root binding system. They were tried in the rehabilitation works, but none succeeded so well as vetiver. There is need to educate the society, the general people and the planner about the ecological and economic value of this 'wonder grass'.