Remediation of BTEX and trichloroethene. Current knowledge with special emphasis on phytoremediation.
The widespread use of industrial chemicals in our highly industrialized society has often caused contamination of large terrestrial and marine areas due to the deliberate and accidental release of organic pollutants into the soil and groundwater. In this review, environmental problems arising from the use of chlorinated solvents and BTEX compounds are described, and an overview about active management strategies for remediation with special emphasis on phytoremediation are presented to achieve a reduction of the total mass of chlorinated solvents and BTEX compounds in contaminated areas. Phytoremediation has been proposed as an efficient, low-cost remediation technique to restore areas contaminated with chlorinated solvents and BTEX compounds. The feasibility of phytoremediation as a remediation tool for these compounds is discussed with particular reference to the uptake and metabolism of these compounds, and a future perspective on the use of phytoremediation for the removal of chlorinated solvents and BTEX compounds is given.
Collins
Chris
C
Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BP, UK. c.collins@ic.ac.uk
Laturnus
Frank
F
Nepovim
Ales
A
D000818:Animals; D001554:Benzene / Q000378:metabolism; D001555:Benzene Derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D006801:Humans; D006841:Hydrocarbons, Aromatic / Q000378:metabolism*; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism*; D014050:Toluene / Q000378:metabolism; D014241:Trichloroethylene / Q000378:metabolism*; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism*; D014992:Xylenes / Q000378:metabolism
D001555:Benzene Derivatives; D006841:Hydrocarbons, Aromatic; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014873:Water Pollutants; D014992:Xylenes; D014241:Trichloroethylene; D014050:Toluene; D001554:Benzene; C004912:ethylbenzene