ABSTRACT
During the first year of the study, there was a trend showing an increase in contaminant reduction in the vegetated plots, but with no statistical significance. Phytoremediation may have a significant impact on contaminants in shallow subsoil. A fine and fibrous root system does not appear to be critical for phytoremediation. Assessment of root establishment and turnover and associated phytoremediation efficiency should be included in future field studies. Because phytoremediation is an aerobic process, the physical condition of the soil profile is very important. There are several management practices that must be utilized and optimized for degradation of contaminants via phytoremediation. Phytoremediation has broad applicability for contaminated sites that have growing seasons of reasonable length, a non-phytotoxic contaminant matrix, a hospitable climate, availability of appropriate seeds or plants, and contaminants that are accessible by roots. Although phytoremediation has a place in the remediation of petroleum-hydrocarbon-contaminated soils, there are limitations to the technology.
