Projects / Programmes
Phytoremediation of sediment and other contaminated soils
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.08.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Control and care of the environment |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T270 |
Technological sciences |
Environmental technology, pollution control |
contaminated soils, sediments, decontamination of soils, remediation, phytoremediation
Researchers (9)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Soil pollution with not readily degradable substances is a pan-European problem resulting from industrialization, urbanization and intensive agriculture. In most cases of pollution with not readily degradable substances (heavy metals, pesticides and other xenobiotic pollutants), sediments are the final recipient and accumulator of these substances and consequently also their regenerators for integration into food chains, which may endanger numerous organisms as well as man. Remediation of polluted soils is possible by means of ecoremediation which is due to its lasting operation, sustainability, efficiency, affordability and landscape attractiveness becoming more and more of interest in the world and in Slovenia as well. The method is applicable in petrochemistry, storage depots, spillage of oil derivatives, treatment of industrial and urban landfills and for cleaning up of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture. Uptake through roots depends mainly on accumulation capacity, transpiration, concentration of pollutants and on the vitality of plant itself (Burken, Schnoor, 1996). The method proved very useful also for numerous small areas, especially for treatment of pesticides and nitrous substances. In the framework of this project, we will determine the applicability of phytoremediation method for detoxification of specific sediments and soils on the basis of laboratory and field experiments, using various test plants and different pollutants in sediments under various conditions (microclimate, hydraulics). However, the decision on a particular phytoremediation method does not depend only on the type of pollutant and the polluted medium, but also on the objective to be achieved. Typical objectives are: retention, stabilization, sequestration, assimilation, reduction, detoxification, decomposition and mineralization. In order to attain the set objectives it is necessary to choose the right method on the basis of the knowledge of terrain, soil characteristics, hydrology, climatic conditions, analytical requirements, maintenance needs, financial resources and legislation. Therefore, if we wish to prevent pollution by phytoremediation it has to be proved that particular rehabilitation and preventive measures related to environmental protection have been successful. The results will be applied directly in practice and used for subsequent remediations of industrial landfills, specific polluters, as well as for polluted agricultural areas. In planning and organization of work, we will take into account the available own and foreign experience gained at earlier transfer of research achievements to the applicative use. The project will provide to all beneficiaries the possibility of sustainable solutions for contaminated areas in the context of protection of surface standing and running waters and groundwater, as well as preventing of uncontrolled transfer of toxic substances to food chains.
