Soil Phytoremediation
Project Description
This project is a continuation of a study of the phytoremediation of lead from soil. Phytoremediation takes advantage of the ability of plants to take contaminants in through their roots in the process of nutrient uptake. The lead is then removed from the site by removing the plants leaving cleaner soil behind.
In this project, we will use soil amendments to optimize the phytoremediation of lead from contaminated soil. We have previously found soil amendments that increase the transfer of lead from the soil into the roots of the plant and others that increase the transfer of lead from the roots to the shoots of the plant. In this project, we will find the optimum set of conditions for total transfer of lead into the plant without killing the plant.
In this project, we will use soil amendments to optimize the phytoremediation of lead from contaminated soil. We have previously found soil amendments that increase the transfer of lead from the soil into the roots of the plant and others that increase the transfer of lead from the roots to the shoots of the plant. In this project, we will find the optimum set of conditions for total transfer of lead into the plant without killing the plant.
Background Needed
The student involved in this project should have completed a two semester sequence of general chemistry and the associated labs. A course in quantitative analysis is preferred but not required.