title: Juncus spp.-The helophyte for all (phyto)remediation purposes?
abstract: Helophytic plants contribute significantly to the remediation of ecosystems through a wide range of physiological or biochemical mechanisms including the role of endophytic bacteria. This review highlights the services provided by Juncus spp. wetland plants, from phytoremediation of soils and groundwater with heavy metals and/or organics to municipal or industrial wastewater treatment in constructed wetlands. The data presented also provide information on the efficiency of specific Juncus spp. in response to various metals and organic compounds, in an effort to exploit the natural capabilities of autochthonous over exotic species in phytoremediation strategies. An overall successful direct (the plant itself) or indirect (through stimulation of elimination mechanisms) contribution of Juncus to remediation of the above contaminants is revealed. However, the specific characteristics of the species used, the type of the pollutant and the region, are issues that should be addressed for a successful outcome.
authors.affiliation: Technical University of Crete, School of Environmental Engineering, Polytechneioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece.
authors.forename: Evdokia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Syranidou
authors.affiliation: Technical University of Crete, School of Environmental Engineering, Polytechneioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece.
authors.forename: Stavros
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Christofilopoulos
authors.affiliation: Technical University of Crete, School of Environmental Engineering, Polytechneioupolis, Chania 73100, Greece. Electronic address: nicolas.kalogerakis@enveng.tuc.gr.
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kalogerakis
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D060587:Groundwater; D019684:Magnoliopsida / Q000254:growth & development*; D012987:Soil; D053833:Wetlands
chemical_list: D012987:Soil
keywords: Heavy metals; Juncus; Organics; Phytoremediation