How to Extract Organic Pollutants From Soil

Phytoremediation is the use of plants to clean pollutants from soil. Plants can degrade pollutants directly, or microbial communities already in the soil can be enhanced to increase natural degradation processes. Phytoremediation is more environmentally friendly than intensive remedial techniques; however, certain conditions must be present to successfully clean pollutants from the soil.

Things You'll Need

• Seeds/seedlings
• Nutrients
• Standard agricultural equipment

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Phytoremediation relies on several biological processes. Enhanced rhizosphere biodegradation is a process in which roots provide the necessary oxygen, nutrients and water to naturally occurring microbes already present in the soil that degrade contaminants through metabolism. Plant roots must come into contact with the zone of contamination for success.

  Test the soil with an EPA method test kit to identify zone of contamination and concentration levels. If the zone of contamination is within 48 inches of the surface and levels are less than 250 ppm for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and less than 160 ppm for pentachlorophenol, rye grass can be planted.

• 2

  Plant rye grass by seeding 20 to 40 pounds per acre; no tilling or digging is required. Seeds will germinate within seven days with water and fertilizer.

• 3

  After area is completed covered with rye grass, generally two growing seasons, test soil again to determine if soil concentrations have decreased. Regular water and fertilizer will be needed to maintain rye grass and continue pollutant removal.