Enhanced biodegradation of xenobiotics in the rhizosphere: Potential for bioremediation

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:491038

Rigot, J; Matsumura, F ^[1]

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1. Univ. of California, Davis, CA (United States). Dept. of Environmental Toxicology

Recently, contamination levels of vegetated soil in polluted areas were found to be lower than contamination levels of non-vegetated soil in the same area. The greater mineralization of pollutants observed in vegetated soils may be a result of the higher microbial and metabolic activities observed in the plant`s rhizosphere environment which may lead to enhanced biodegradation of xenobiotics in contaminated vegetated soils. After determining the different factors affecting the fate and the metabolic activity of microorganisms in the rhizosphere, the authors plan to study the possibility of introducing specialized organisms in the rhizosphere in order to enhance the biodegradation of target compounds. The purpose is to develop a soil bioremediation technology based on stimulating synergistic interactions existing between the rhizosphere environment and selected microorganisms to enhance the biodegradation of organic pollutants in contaminated soil. If effective, this technology could be used worldwide over large areas to effectively and inexpensively treat contaminated soil.

• OSTI ID: 491038
• Report Number(s): CONF-9406250--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BIODEGRADATION
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
MICROORGANISMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
REMEDIAL ACTION
SYNERGISM