Exploiting Hydrocarbon‐Degrading Indigenous Bacteria for Bioremediation and Phytoremediation of a Multicontaminated Soil. Issue 9 (16th June 2016) - Franchi, Elisabetta
Abstract: Plant‐based technologies are suited to remove low to moderate contamination. Plants can take up heavy metal ions but are often sensitive to organic contaminants and grow slowly with only a slight remediation effect. Multiple approaches can be useful to accelerate remediation. The combined action of hydrocarbon‐degrading and plant growth‐promoting indigenous bacteria can enhance phytoremediation. A three‐step approach (landfarming, bioaugmentation, phytoremediation) was applied to a disused industrial area contaminated by nitrogen‐containing compounds, alkylaromatic hydrocarbons, copper, and nickel. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry led to the speciation of organic compounds. This technique confirmed the effectiveness of alkylaromatic hydrocarbon remediation. Abstract : Bacteria naturally selected in polluted soils have the potential to assist phytoremediation. The biodegradation activity and plant growth‐promoting skill of an autochtonous rhizosphere microbial community can reduce the contamination toxicity and enhance phytoextraction. A train technology based on landfarming, bioaugmentation, and phytoremediation was applied to a multicontaminated soil.