This is the first book aimed at development of a common language among scientists working in the field of Phytoremediation. Authors of the main chapters are leading scientists in this field. Some of them were among the first ones to have suggested the use of hyperaccumulator plants for extraction of metals from soils. Manuscripts based on lectures presented at the ASI have been revised here to take into account ASI participants’ comments and suggestions.

An in-depth look at the most promising technology for metal remediation. With current cleanup methodologies offering no real solution to the serious environmental implications of toxic metal contamination, there is a growing need among remediation professionals for effective, affordable, nonpolluting alternatives to energy-intensive engineering processes. This book presents one such promising alternative-the extraordinary new technology of phytoremediation. Through first-rate contributions from the top scientists in the field, Phytoremediation of Toxic Metals surveys worldwide pioneering efforts in the use of plants to treat contamination of such metals as lead, cadmium, chromium, and even radionuclides. The authors explore all major aspects of the technology-how it utilizes the metal-accumulating properties of selected or engineered plants to remove toxic metals from soils and water, how to transfer knowledge from the laboratory to the field, and what methods are most viable for commercial application. Complete, state-of-the-art coverage includes: * The economic advantages of plant-based technology * Regulatory considerations for future phytoremediation * Phytoextraction, phytostabilization, and phytofiltration of toxic metals * Photostabilization of metals using hybrid poplar trees * Phytovolatilization for the special case of mercury and selenium * The biological mechanisms of metal-accumulating plants

Assisted Phytoremediaion covers a wide range of uses of plants for remediation of environmental pollutants. It includes coverage of such techniques as root engineering, transgenic plants, increasing the biomass, use of genetic engineering and genome editing technology for rapid phytoremediation of pollutants. In order to improve the efficiency of plant remediation, genetic engineering plays a vital role in the overexpression of genes or gene clusters, which are responsible for degradation and uptake of pollutants. The book presents state-of-the-art techniques of assisted phytoremediation to better manage soil and water pollution in large amounts. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and engineers in environmental science and bioengineering, with case studies and state-of-the-art research from eminent global scientists. This book serves as an excellent basis from which scientific knowledge can grow and widen in the field of environmental remediation. Provides a clear picture of how to design, tune, and implement assisted phytoremediation techniques Offers a comprehensive analysis of current perspective and state-of-the-art applications of assisted phytoremediation Introduces the potential of genetic engineering as a rapid, cost-effective technology for environmental remediation using plants

Phytoremediation is an exciting, new technology that utilizes metal-accumulating plants to rid soil of heavy metal and radionuclides. Hyperaccumulation plants are an appealing and economical alternative to current methods of soil recovery. Phytoremediation of Contaminated Soil and Water is the most thorough literary examination of the subject available today. The successful implementation of phytoremediation depends on identifying plant material that is well adapted to specific toxic sites. Gentle remediation is then applied in situ, or at the contamination site. No soil excavation or transport is necessary. This severely contains the potential risk of the pollutants entering the food chain. And it's cost effective. The progress of modern man has created many sites contaminated with heavy metals. The effected land is toxic to plants and animals , which creates considerable public interest in remediation. But the commonly used remedies are ex situ, which poses an expensive dilemma and an even greater threat. Phytoremediation offers the prospect of a cheaper and healthier way to deal with this problem. Read Phytoremediation of Contaminated Soil and Water to learn just how far this burgeoning technology has developed.

Following a description of the various sources and factors influencing the contents of heavy metal pollution in post-catastrophic and agricultural soils, subsequent chapters examine soil enzymes and eggs as bio-monitors, lead adsorption, the effects of arsenic on microbial diversity, and the effects of Mediterranean grasslands on abandoned mines. A third section focuses on the adaptation strategies used by plants and bacteria, such as Pinus sylvestris in industrial areas, and the rhizosphere in contaminated tropical soils and soil treated with sewage sludge. Further topics addressed include strategies of bioremediation, e.g. using transgenic plants as tools for soil remediation. This new volume on heavy metals in soil will be of interest to researchers and scholars in microbial and plant biotechnology, agriculture, the environmental sciences and soil ecology.

The soil is being contaminated continuously by a large number of pollutants. Among them, heavy metals are an exclusive group of toxicants because they are stable and difficult to disseminate into non-toxic forms. The ever-increasing concentrations of such pollutants in the soil are considered serious threats toward everyone’s health and the environment. Many techniques are used to clean, eliminate, obliterate or sequester these hazardous pollutants from the soil. However, these techniques can be costly, labor intensive, and often disquieting. Phytoremediation is a simple, cost effective, environmental friendly and fast-emerging new technology for eliminating toxic heavy metals and other related soil pollutants. Soil Remediation and Plants provides a common platform for biologists, agricultural engineers, environmental scientists, and chemists, working with a common aim of finding sustainable solutions to various environmental issues. The book provides an overview of ecosystem approaches and phytotechnologies and their cumulative significance in relation to solving various environmental problems. Identifies the molecular mechanisms through which plants are able to remediate pollutants from the soil Examines the challenges and possibilities towards the various phytoremediation candidates Includes the latest research and ongoing progress in phytoremediation

New techniques, improved understanding and changes in regulations relating to environmental analysis means that students, technicians and lecturers alike need an up-to-date guide to practical environmental analysis. This unique book provides detailed instructions for practical experiments in environmental analysis. The comprehensive coverage includes the chemical analysis of important pollutants in air, water, soil and plant tissue, and the experiments generally require only basic laboratory equipment and instrumentation. The content is supported by theoretical material explaining, amongst other concepts, the principles behind each method and the importance of various pollutants. Also included are suggestions for projects and worked examples. Appendices cover environmental standards, practical safety and laboratory practice. Building on the foundations laid by the highly acclaimed first edition, this new edition has been revised and updated to include information on new monitoring techniques, the Air Quality Index, internet resources and professional ethics. Like its predecessor, this informative text is certain to be valued as an indispensable guide to practical environmental analysis by students on a variety of science courses and their lecturers. Reviews of the first edition: "I strongly urge academics in chemistry, biology, botany, soil science, geography and environmental science departments to give [this book] serious consideration as a course text." Malcolm Cresser, Environment Department, University of York, UK "Destined to become a course text for many university courses ... a high quality, informative introductory text ... there should be multiple copies on most university's library shelves." Environmental Conservation