| Phytoremediation is an emerging, green-plant-based technology that uses plants and associated microorganisms for remediation of contaminated sod and groundwater. The process operates by breaking down, absorbing and/or metabolizing contaminants. Using vegetation to remediate contaminated sites had several advantages: high public acceptance; applicable to many contaminants; and cost effectiveness. A study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of using phytoremediation by assuming that the process was under consideration for a hypothetical petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated site in Tennessee. After determining that the process would be feasible for that site, three design alternatives were developed and examined. The alternatives were ranked based on cost reliability, simplicity, environmental risks and requirements for specialized labor and equipment. |
