ABSTRACT
Phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly remediation option that involves the use of plants and their associated microorganisms to degrade, detoxify, or stabilize pollutants on site. In the context of the broader concept of phytomanagement, it is increasingly accepted as a more green and low environmental footprint remediation solution. This chapter explores fundamental principles and mechanisms involved in the application of phytoremediation. Phytoremediation was proven to be suited for solving groundwater pollution with organic pollutants. The presence of plants and eventual inoculation of specific plant-associated bacterial strains equipped with degradation genes triggers several mechanisms that contribute to an enhanced natural breakdown of organic pollutants. Cleanup of metals with phytoextraction only is applicable in niche applications. At this moment, risk-managed phytostabilization and monitored natural attenuation are the realistic scenarios for brownfields and urban and industrial areas polluted with metals and recalcitrant organics. There remains a tremendous scope for improving our capability to manage and manipulate the plant holobiont in order to improve the performance of phytoremediation in specific field applications.
