Phytoremediation of Toxic Metals: Using Plants to Clean Up the Environment

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

Table of Contents:
Why Use Phytoremediation? (B. Ensley). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND GREEN PLANTS. Phytoremediation's Economic Potential (D. Glass). Phytoremediation and Public Acceptance (R. Tucker & J. Shaw). Regulatory Considerations for Phytoremediation (S. Rock & P. Sayre). TECHNOLOGIES FOR METAL PHYTOREMEDIATION. Phytoextraction of Metals (M. Baylock & J. Huang). Phytostabilization of Metals (S. Cunningham & W. Berti). Phytofiltration of Metals (Y. Kapulnik & S. Dushenkov). The Use of Plants for the Treatment of Radionuclide (M. Negri & R. Hinchman). Photostabilization of Metals Using Hybrid Poplar Trees (J. Schnoor). Phytoreduction of Environmental Mercury Pollution (C. Rugh, et al.). The Physiology and Biochemistry of Selenium Volatilization By Plants (M. de Souza, et al.). BIOLOGY OF METAL PHYTOREMEDIATION. Metal Accumulating Plants (R. Reeves & A. Baker). Mechanisms of Metal Hyperaccumulation in Plants (D. Salt & U. Kramer). Mechanisms of Metal Resistance: Phytochelatins and Metalothioneins (C. Cobbett & P. Goldsborough). Molecular Mechanisms of Ion Transport in Plant Cells (M. Guerinot).