Title: Phytoremediation of Water Using Landscape Plants

Summary: One means of de-polluting our soils, air, and water is through the use of living organisms, or bioremediation. If the bioremediation process uses plants to contain, degrade, eliminate, or accumulate these pollutants it is called phytoremediation. Research regarding phytoremediation via hyperaccumulation was started at Virginia Tech using water hyacinth. The project has now progressed to include the screening of woody plants via nutrient hydroponic experiments. In addition, trees and shrubs in the landscape are evaluated using a storm water management system called Filterra. This presentation discusses the process, the focus on excessive nitrogen and phosphorus removal, and the potential for integrating phtoremediation plants into the landscape.

Bonnie L. Appleton, Ph.D., Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech, Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Norfolk, VA, United States

Click here to read the presenters biography.