New Phytoremediation in Trace Elements Contaminated Soils

Dear Colleagues,

Plant-based (“phyto”)-remediation comprises the so-called soft (or gentle) remediation practices, which take advantage of soil biological processes to promote natural soil remediation. These technologies are characterised by their low cost, low demand for infrastructure and low carbon footprint, so they are considered environmentally friendly. Phytoremediation consists of the use of the plants and their associated microorganisms, supported by soil amendments, to remove (phytoextraction), immobilise (phytostabilisation), volatilise (phytovolatilisation) or degrade the soil contaminants (phytodegradation).

The vast number of contaminated sites requires the continued development of new remediation strategies. The combination of different plant species, associated microorganisms and new materials as soil amendments seems to be the future trend for innovative decontamination solutions, which need to be tested under real conditions.

This Special Issue covers novel aspects of soil phytoremediation, including: new strategies for emerging inorganic pollutants and for mixed/combined contamination; criteria for remediated soils based on pollutant bioavailability, risk assessment, soil health and biodiversity; selection of plants tolerant of trace elements for specific soil and climatic conditions; new soil amendments to retain inorganic contaminants, thus reducing their bioavailability, toxicity and leaching risk. Both short-term experiments under controlled conditions and, especially, long-term validation experiments are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Maria Pilar Bernal
Prof. Dr. Paula Alvarenga
Guest Editors

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