Inspec-Sol

Soil remediation by phytoremediation

Proponent:

Name of project:

Demonstration of phytoremediation as a potential technique for contaminated site remediation.

Summary description of project:

To facilitate the rehabilitation of sites contaminated by heavy metals and hydrocarbons, Inspec-Sol Inc. has examined an original approach: phytoremediation in a Nordic climate setting.

This technique consists in using plants to extract contaminants from the soil. Once extracted, the metals are concentrated in the roots, stems and leaves of the plants.

Through greenhouse- and then field-testing, Inspec-Sol Inc. has shown that phytoremediation was applicable in the specific climatic conditions of Quebec and the Nordic regions. Lead, copper and zinc were extracted from the soil owing to three plant species:

the Willow (Salix Viminalis): a shrub with important root development, capable of storing a large quantity of metals ,
Indian mustard (Brassica Juncea): an herbaceous annual known for its ability to sequester many metals including lead, as well as for its rapid growth (2 to 3 harvests per year) and
Fescue (Festuca Arundenecea): an herbaceous perennial with a highly developed root system capable of supporting the microbial flora responsible for biodegrading PAH.

Controlled tests were carried out in order to optimize the extraction of the metals by the three plants. Adding a demineralizing agent proved to be useful. The tests showed that the organic compounds were also broken down by the microorganisms found near the plant roots.

Over all, the study demonstrated that phytoremediation was a promising solution for the decontamination of sites contaminated by organic and inorganic pollutants.

Technical partners:

Institut de reSearch en biologie végétale (IRBV)
Biotechnology Research Institute (NRCC-BRI)
Consortium de reSearch minérale (COREM)
City of Montréal
Montreal Botanical Garden

Funding partners:

Inspec-Sol Inc.
Montreal Centre of Excellence in Brownfields Rehabilitation (MCEBR)
Fonds des priorités gouvernementales en sciences et technologies - volet environnement (FPGST-E)
Biotechnology Research Institute (NRCC-BRI)

For more information, consult the technical data sheet.