Phytoremediation Enhancement of Natural Attenuation Processes

Abstract Phytoremediation is the use of living green plants for in situ remediation of contaminants using what is in essence enhanced natural attenuation for soil and groundwater cleanup. There are a variety of phytoremediation methods, some having multiple names: phytostabilization, rhizodegradation (phytostimulation, rhizosphere bioremediation, or plant‐assisted bioremediation), rhizofiltration (contaminant uptake), phytodegradation (phytotransformation), phytovolatilization, and phytoaccumulation (phytoextraction or hyperaccumulation). Various types of plants can be used in phytoremediation, including poplar trees, alfalfa, black locust, Indian mustard, fescue grass, crested wheatgrass, and Canada wild rye. This article reviews phytoremediation methods as applied to organic contaminants and heavy metals.