Resources:

Growing energy crops on contaminated land for biofuelds and soil remediation.

Phyto-management is a phytotechnology, arising from phytoremediation, based on the use of plants (trees, shrubs, herbaceous) to control the risk associated with the presence of contaminants in degraded sites, while: (i) they are generated products (eg, wood, resin, essential oils, bioenergy, ecocatalysts) from harvested biomass; and (ii) the supply of ecosystem services is enhanced (e.g., C sequestration, erosion control, creation of habitats).

Phy2SUDOE aims to value sites contaminated with metals-metalloids and / or organic compounds in the SUDOE region through the use of phyto-management strategies aimed at the generation of ecosystem products and services in these sites, while minimizing the environmental impact of pollutants. could cause. Likewise, this project aims to implement strategies for the conservation of endemic biodiversity typical of some contaminated sites (e.g., metallurgical flora, plant growth-promoting bacteria, etc.) due to their intrinsic and utilitarian value (e.g., biotechnological applications).

Intrinsyx Environmental regenerates contaminated sites using licensed microbial technology with low-energy, low-input phytoremediation systems that leverage and restore natural ecosystem function. By incorporating contaminant-specific endophytes, Intrinsyx can address chlorinated solvents, petroleum hydrocarbons, explosives, PCBs, and mixed waste sites at higher contaminant levels—achieving greater tree survival and higher rates of biodegradation than conventional phytoremediation. They use a holistic design process to adapt phytoremediation to unique site conditions found in Superfund sites, brownfields, retired military sites, landfills, mine sites, and wastewater treatment. Intrinsyx provides clients with resilient site treatment, reduced risk and liability, large cost savings, carbon sequestration, reduced heat island effect, and green space restoration. Their expert team works closely with clients, engineers, and regulators across the country to implement innovative phytoremediation solutions to diverse environmental challenges.

John Todd Ecological Design designs and builds water remediation projects using both the proven-over-many-decades phytoremediation knowledge of the twentieth Century and other, more recent developments in ecological design/engineering methods, many developed by founder John Todd in his over 30 years of building successful systems. This firm works to actively engage with clients and other stakeholders to discover the holistic goals for context sensitive system designs, where humans and natural systems work together to treat wastewater and agricultural-industrial flows, grow food, preserve habitats, produce useful energy sources and are at the heart of sustainable and prosperous industries and cities. Sister firm better, Inc. can help to enable financing and produce holistic economic analyses. better, Inc also provides help with the application process for, and instructions to, a broad range of financing options for both private/non-profit and government sectors. 

PHYTO presents the concepts of phytoremediation and phytotechnology in one comprehensive guide, illustrating when plants can be considered for the uptake, removal or mitigation of on-site pollutants. Current scientific case studies are covered, highlighting the advantages and limitations of plant-based cleanup. Typical contaminant groups found in the built environment are explained, and plant lists for mitigation of specific contaminants are included where applicable.

This is the first book to address the benefits of phytotechnologies from a design point of view, taking complex scientific terms and translating the research into an easy-to-understand reference book for those involved in creating planting solutions. Typically, phytoremediation planting techniques are currently employed post-site contamination to help clean-up already contaminated soil by taking advantage of the positive effects that plants can have upon harmful toxins and chemicals. This book presents a new concept to create projective planting designs with preventative phytotechnology abilities, ‘phytobuffering’ where future pollution may be expected for particular site programs.

Filled with tables, photographs and detailed drawings, Kennen and Kirkwood guide the reader through the process of selecting plants for their aesthetic and environmental qualities, combined with their contaminant-removal benefits.

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This database is a compilation of research taught and gathered by Artist and Professor Stevie Famulari with her Landscape Architecture students between 2007-2011, as well as research of herself and others. The research was compiled and entered into the design and work of Kyla Witz, Landscape Architecture student at NDSU.

It is searchable by plant or by contaminant. Click on a plant name to see more details of that plant. 

This popular gardening and landscaping site claims to have the largest plant database in the world. Information is collected by global community input. This database includes plants otherwise known as weeds and those used for scientific or non-ornamental purposes. 

The goal of this site is to assemble and disseminate information that will encourage the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes throughout North America. The NPIN is designed to inform a broad audience ranging from members of the general public such as homeowners, wildflower enthusiasts, and gardeners to practicing professionals such as botanists, land managers, and government personnel. Click on “plant database” to go straight to the searchable database. 

These plant information databases include landscape plant propagation; plant nutrient deficiency diagnosis; 1194 tree and shrub fact sheets; and tree selection software. 

Bruce Kania, inspired by biomimicry and the natural floating peat bogs of Northern Wisconsin, founded Floating Island International to help solve human water quality problems. Floating structures made from recycled plastic drink bottles both reduce a solid waste stream and mimic ecosystem conditions found in wetlands. FII and their 8 licensees around the world offer trademarked product technology and installation/design consultation and support. 

Faced with decades-old treatment programs with high resource needs and no endpoints in sight, SURF was initiated in late 2006 to promote the use of sustainable practices during the investigation, construction, redevelopment, and monitoring of environmental cleanup activities, with the objective of balancing economic viability, conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, and the enhancement of the quality of life in surrounding communities. They provide a forum to collaborate, educate, advance, and develop consensus on the application of sustainability concepts throughout the lifecycle of remediation projects, from site investigation to closure. SURF members accomplish these objectives through volunteer working groups. SURF also promotes and supports student chapters at universities across the US, encouraging the incorporation of sustainability concepts into undergraduate curricula and graduate research. 

Living Machine® Technology blends cutting-edge science and engineering with plants and beneficial microorganisms to efficiently treat and reuse wastewater, providing lasting water solutions for communities everywhere. Worrell Water has attracted over $10 million in grant funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency, US Department of Agriculture, and the US Department of Defense. Its technology and projects have received a number of awards, patents, and some projects are LEED certified. They offer tidal flow wetland and hydroponic versions of the Living Machines. Owner and Founder Tom Worrell became inspired by a new understanding of biodiversity and the interconnectedness of all things. In addition to Living Machines, Worrell Water pursues many other avenues all focused on eradicating global water and health issues. 

Ocean Arks International is a non-profit research and outreach organization with a mission to create planetary healing through promoting ecological literacy and the dissemination of vital eco-technologies. Among its major projects is the protection and restoration of the world’s waters. The founder and ecologist Dr. John Todd has developed a unique and effective array of ecological technologies called eco-technologies. Originally known as Living Machines, they are the result of his careful observation of how natural systems heal themselves and regain their balance, bringing together representatives from all kingdoms of life, including microscopic algae, fungi, bacteria, protozoa and zooplankton as well as snails, clams, fishes and larger plants. Ocean Arks strives to reintegrate human and natural eco-systems to become mutually beneficial toward one another, with living technologies as a part of everyday life. 

Ecolotree is one of the earliest companies in the US to focus exclusively around phytoremediation applications. They offer economical, plant-based solutions to solve your landfill, lagoon, wastewater or toxic spill problems, using engineered tree systems. 

This European collaboration examines Gentle Remediation Options (GRO) that include various and in general plant-based approaches to remediate trace element contaminated soils at low cost and without significant negative effects for the environment. Although GRO comprise very innovative and efficient technologies, they are still not widely used for practical site solutions due to several reasons of hindrance. The Greenland Project will solve the remaining problems and bring GRO (phytoremediation, in situ stabilisation) into practical application. 

This is the phytotechnologies portal on EPA’s Clean-Up Information (CLU-IN) site. It contains an overview of phytotechnology mechanisms, regulatory and application guidance, training courses, and many many many downloadable publications and articles relevant to phytotechnology. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed this site to summarize timely information about selected applications of phytotechnology. The project profiles contain information about relevant site background, the types of contaminants treated, the type of vegetation used, the mechanisms of phytotechnology, planting date, project size, location, cost, monitoring and performance results, and points of contact and references. This site can be used as a networking tool to identify past solutions and lessons learned that would apply to new sites with similar contaminants and climate. As of August 2011, the website included information on 180 projects. As further information is obtained, EPA plans to update and expand this site with new project profiles and updated information about existing profiles. 

This site provides information about innovative treatment and site characterization technologies while acting as a forum for all waste remediation stakeholders. Special topics of interest to our readers include phytotechnologies, brownfields, ecological land reuse, evapotranspiration covers, nanotechnology, mining sites, and much more. The site offers information on specific contaminants, application strategies, vendors, regulatory assistance, training, video pod-casts, software tools, and more. 

This is a searchable bibliography from the Phytoremediation Action Team of the Remediation Technologies Development Forum that is no longer being actively maintained but will remain available until at least 2015. 

The Action Team’s mission is to bring together technological, environmental, and regulatory interests to develop and demonstrate phytoremediation technologies that can clean up soils and ground water contaminated with organics, and to achieve regulatory and public acceptance of these technologies.