SREL Reprint #2871

Biogeochemical Processes in the Rhizosphere: Role in Phytoremediation of Metal-Polluted Soils

W. W. Wenzel1, E. Lombi1, and D. C. Adriano2

1University of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Soil Science, Gregor-Mendel StraBe 33,
A-1180 Vienna, Austria
2University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA

Introduction: According to most legislative schemes, a soil may require remediation if certain concentrations of one or more heavy metals is exceeded in a designated part (topsoil, subsoil) of the soil profile. A multitude of remediation technologies has been developed for clean-up of heavy-metal-polluted soils (Iskandar and Adriano 1997; Pierzynski 1997). Classic methods, such as excavation, thermal treatment and chemical soil washing are typically expensive and destructive. . . The focus of this chapter is centered on the role of rhizosphere biogeochemical processes in phytoremediation.

SREL Reprint #2871

Wenzel, W. W., E. Lombi, and D. C. Adriano. 2004. Biogeochemical processes in the rhizosphere: role in phytoremediation of metal-polluted soils. pp. 273-303 In M. Prasad and J. Hagemeyer (Eds.). Heavy Metal Stress in Plants: From Biomolecules to Ecosystems. Springer Verlag Berlin Heidelberg New York.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).