Phytoremediation Database for Use In Conservation Planning.

Plants are a logical choice for remediation of contaminated sites and other land rehabilitation projects because of their unique ability to establish, increase in mass, and renew growth in subsequent seasons, even in extreme soil, landscape, and climate environments. Vegetation creates aesthetics and revitalizes the landscape. Plants also provide other conservation benefits by protecting and improving the natural resources in and around the contaminated area. Commercially available sources of seed and vegetative rootstock and accessibility to amendments and husbandry equipment easily makes possible the establishment and management of vegetation. Cultural specifications and technical guidance are available for establishment and management of vegetation. Landusers are familiar with many of these management techniques including seeding, mowing, watering, fertilizing, and re-planting. Doing a complete resource management plan will ensure that all resources of the contaminated area of concern are protected. An emphasis can be given to conservation practices that directly treat the phytoremedation mechanisms for the contaminant of concern. As with all planning for the management of any resource of concern, the presence of contaminants in the soil, water, plants, or air will require a complete comprehensive conservation plan. Phytoremediation is a rapid response to a critical, sometimes long-term, resource problem. The use of vegetation requires an appropriate establishment and immediate attention to operation and maintenance of that vegetation. Therefore, a detailed plan of cultural practices and management techniques is essential in the resource management plan. Treating the wind and water erosion process, water runoff, and/or leaching will lessen the physical potential of contaminant transport. Establishing conservation buffers can contain the contaminant to the field landscape. Nutrient management planning allows for modification of the soil reaction and provides nutrients for plant growth. Husbandry of the vegetation by pest control and harvesting provides for healthy plant growth and managed biomass removal. Putting all the management together in a comprehensive plan will provide for a successful phytoremediation.