Chelate-assisted phytoremediation

Abstract

Phytotechnologies have showed potential for sustainable and low-cost use in remediation of contaminated lands. In order to increase effectivness of the phytoremediation process on contaminated sites assisted phytoremediation techniques are developed. One of such procedures is use of chelating agents, able to effectively mobilize metals into the soil solution and bioavailable forms, where they can consequently be uptaken by selected plant species. Various types of chelates, both synthetic and natural, can be used in this process. Chelate-assisted phytoremediation process includes interactions between soil, targeted element(s), chelate and plant in complex processes of solution and transport of elements from soil and their uptake and translocation in plants. Different researches acknowledged efficient element uptake from contaminated soils into selected plant species accompanied with use of adequate chelating agents, especially for sites with low initial mobility of contaminants. However, chelate-assistant phytoremediation is still prone to several limitation and drawbacks. Leaching of mobilized metals from chelate-treated soils is often reported, sometimes also accompanied with leaching of soil macronutrients.