Poplar-assisted bioremediation of a multi-contaminated area in southern Italy

Plant-assisted bioremediation, the use of plants to promote the extraction, the sequester or detoxification of pollutants through biological processes is a green, effective, in situ, non intrusive, low cost, aesthetically pleasing and, socially accepted technology to remediate contaminated soil. Potential for plant-assisted bioremediation depends upon the interactions among, soil, contaminants, microorganisms (bacteria and microfungi) and plants occurring in the rhizosphere where, the release of root exudates and oxygen with circadian rhythm can stimulate the biodegradation activity of natural soil microorganisms. This technology has been applying for three years to a multi-contaminated (PCBs and heavy metals) area in Southern Italy using as plant a selected poplar clone (Monviso).