Contaminated soil can be hazardous, but many of the methods used to clean it have their own dangers, as well as being expensive. If you are looking for a more natural, sustainable and cost effective alternative, you may want to explore phytoremediation.
What is phytoremediation?
Phytoremediation is a form of soil remediation, meaning it is used to clean soil of various contaminants. It does this through the use of plants such as hemp, mustard greens and sunflowers. These absorb the toxins in the soil, then either store them in their roots, use microbes to break them down, or transform them into something less harmful. The phases of phytoremediation are phytoextraction, phytostablisation, rhizodegration, phytovolatilization, phytodegradation, rhizofiltration and phytohydraulics. Spirulina can speed up this process, which may take several years.
Why is it important?
Soil remediation in general is important because contaminated soil is dangerous to human health and cannot be used for agriculture, building or other useful development. A professional remediation service such as that offered at https://soilfix.co.uk/services/soil-remediation may use a range of different techniques, avoiding methods that have notable disadvantages. Excavation or chemical remediation require specialist equipment and training, and can be destructive. They may cause further damage. Phytoremediation works with nature to not just remove pollutants, but to more generally improve biodiversity and soil quality. It does this without needing significant investment in labour or equipment, and whilst saving energy.
There are several forms of remediation available for soil, but phytoremediation in particular has its own distinct benefits because of its use of natural techniques for a more sustainable and cost effective result.
