Phytoremediation`s role in bioremediation of recalcitrant soil contaminants
- Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (United States). Dept. of Botany and Microbiology
Flavonoid and coumarin compounds produced by plants supported the growth of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-degrading bacteria, and the bacteria retained their PCB-degrading properties. Root leachates and washings from mulberry trees also supported the growth of a PCB-degrading bacterium. The release of phenolics into the soil by the network of finely separated plant roots may be thought of as a naturally occurring injection system capable of delivering desired substrates into the soil that fosters the growth and action of PCB-degrading bacteria. However, it is important to recognize that the roots of all plant species do not produce and release equal amounts and kinds of phenolic compounds; therefore, the rhizosphere zone of all plants must not be considered a haven for PCB-degrading bacteria. It may be that only a few plant species have the desired characteristics. Awareness of such species would be extremely valuable, because growing such plants at contaminated sites has the potential of selectively fostering the growth of PCB-degrading bacteria over competing organisms. The outcome could be a sustained population of PCB-degrading bacteria that would degrade PCBs over an extended time period. Plant-microbe systems have the potential of providing inexpensive, ecologically stable bioremediation systems, and thereby play a major role in bioremediation of recalcitrant soil contaminants.
- OSTI ID:
- 460533
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-961149-; TRN: IM9718%%114
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 17. annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry: partnerships for the environment - science, education, and policy, Washington, DC (United States), 17-21 Nov 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of SETAC 17. annual meeting -- Abstract book. Partnerships for the environment: Science, education, and policy; PB: 378 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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