RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN PHYTOREMEDIATION APPLICATIONS AND PRACTICE

Phytoremediation is increasingly being used to address a wide range of contaminants in soil, groundwater, surface water, and wastewater. The field is evolving rapidly through research, field demonstrations, and full-scale applications. Latest results from these applications are helping to build the considerable data required to prove the efficacy of this technology. The objective of this paper is to present an analysis of the state-of-the-art of phytoremediation to assist consumers of this remediation technology. Specific phytoremediation technologies addressed in this review are those deemed to have the greatest potential for future applications. These include phytoirrigation, alternative landfill caps (ET covers), hydraulic control applications, and the use of constructed wetlands for treatment of regulated hazardous compounds. Example projects and key design considerations are discussed.