#Phytoremediation

[just-a-cup-of-anxietea]

Look!!! Look at this chart!!! I am SWOONING

They included a visual cue for the key terms!!! I almost never see that in higher ed!!! THAT’S SO COOL. (Source: Phyto by Kate Kennan)

[venvsflyytrapp]

POV

I’m in South Memphis at my favorite stump, in the blackest park. Smoking my blunt, reading my phytoextraction notes and tarot. Then I moved to the lake side between 2 trees to sun bathe.

Spring is here. 🌿

[aikoiya]

Arcane HC - The Scientific Study of Saving Zaun

There are quite a few studies that would be beneficial to encouraging the independence of Zaun.

Acoustic Hydroremediation = The purification of water through sound. Sound at a frequency of 1.5 MHz is able to kill off 99 percent of organisms present in water, but it takes 10 to 20 seconds of exposure to the sound waves for the water to be disinfected.

Speleology = The scientific study or exploration of caves. Including their make-up, structure, physical properties, history, life forms, & the processes by which they form (speleogenesis) & change over time (speleomorphology).

* Biospeleology = The study of organisms living in caves. Ranging from Troglobites, Trogloxene, & Troglophiles.

* Troglobites = Is an animal species, or population of a species, strictly bound to underground habitats, such as caves. Land-dwelling troglobites may be referred to as Troglofauna, while aquatic species may be called Stygofauna, although for these animals the term Stygobite is preferable.

* Trogloxene = Animals enter caves causally to escape predators or the warm sun in the summer.

* Troglophile = An animal that uses a cave for a part of its life cycle.

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Ecological Engineering =  The design of ecosystems for the mutual benefit of humans & nature.

* Speleo-Ecological Engineering = The design of subterranean ecosystems for the mutual benefit of humans & nature.

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Phytospeleology = The study of cave-dwelling plants.

Phytoremediation = The study of plants that clean contaminated soil, air, & water.

* Speleophytoremediation = The study of cave-dwelling plants that clean contaminated soil, air, & water. A branch of Phytospeleology.

Ethnobotany = The study of wild plants used for medicine, food, & tools.

* Speleo-Ethnobotany =  The study of wild cave-dwelling plants used for medicine, food, & tools. A branch of Phytospeleology.

Agronomy = The science & technology of producing & using plants by agriculture for food, fuel, fiber, chemicals, recreation, or land conservation.

* Speleo-Agronomy = The science & technology of producing & using cave-dwelling plants by agriculture for food, fuel, fiber, chemicals, recreation, or land conservation. A branch of Phytospeleology.

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Mycology = The study of fungi.

* Ethnomycology = The study of edible fungi.

* Speleomycology = The study of cave-dwelling fungi.

* Speleo-Ethnomycology = The study of edible, cave-dwelling fungi.

For a list of all the Flora & Fungi that I could think of to grow in Zaun, go to my Subterranean Flora & Fungi post.

Arcane Masterlist

[delta-remediation]

Revitalizing Our Earth: An All-Encompassing Approach to Sustainable Soil Remediation

Introduction

The process of soil remediation is of paramount importance to the conservation of our environment. Contaminated soils have far-reaching implications on our ecosystem, affecting not only humans but wildlife as well. This comprehensive guide delves deep into various soil remediation methods, emphasizing the most efficient techniques to rejuvenate tainted soils and return them to a healthy state.

Recognizing the Various Forms of Soil Contamination

Chemical Pollution: This arises when harmful chemicals like heavy metals, pesticides, and petroleum byproducts seep into the soil, potentially posing severe threats to human health and the environment. Biological Pollution: Disease-causing agents such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites may infiltrate the soil, negatively impacting both human and animal health. Physical Pollution: This encompasses the existence of debris like construction materials, plastics, and other solid waste, which can interfere with the natural structure and functionality of soil ecosystems.

Leading Practices for Soil Remediation

Excavation and Disposal: Excavation involves the manual removal of polluted soil and disposing of it at designated hazardous waste facilities. Although effective for localized contamination, it can be costly and needs considerable logistical planning.

Soil Washing: This technique involves the use of water, chemical, and physical processes to extract pollutants from soil particles. It is especially effective in treating soils polluted with heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and other soluble inorganics such as chlorides.

Bioremediation: This environmentally friendly method leverages naturally occurring microorganisms to degrade pollutants within the soil. It can treat a wide range of pollutants, including petroleum products, pesticides, and chlorinated solvents.

Phytoremediation: Phytoremediation employs plants to extract contaminants in the soil through accumulation. It is particularly effective in treating soils polluted with heavy metals.

Thermal Desorption: This process involves heating contaminated soil to high temperatures, vaporizing the pollutants, which allows for their capture and treatment. It is highly effective for treating soils contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs).

Soil Stabilization: Soil stabilization requires adding binding agents like cement or lime to contaminated soil, immobilizing pollutants to prevent their migration and reduce their bioavailability to plants and animals.

Deciding on a Soil Remediation Method: Key Considerations

Choosing the most appropriate soil remediation method requires considering factors like the extent and type of contamination, soil properties, cost and time constraints, and the potential risks to human health and the environment.

Ensuring Success through Monitoring and Evaluation of Soil Remediation Projects

The key to a successful soil remediation project lies in ongoing monitoring and evaluation, which involves regular testing of soil samples, as well as groundwater monitoring, to ensure that the chosen remediation method is effective and contaminants have been successfully eliminated or reduced to acceptable levels.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

Soil remediation plays a crucial role in environmental protection and public health endeavors. As our knowledge of soil contamination and remediation methods continues to expand, so does the development of innovative methods and technologies. These advancements promise significant improvements in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and the environmental impact of soil remediation efforts.

Soil Remediation and Sustainable Development

Soil remediation is a significant component in achieving sustainable development goals by mitigating the adverse impacts of soil contamination on human health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Investment in soil remediation projects and adopting best practices ensure the return of contaminated land to productive use, contributing to the long-term health and wellbeing of communities and ecosystems.

Public Awareness and Community Engagement

Elevating public awareness and fostering community involvement are key to the success of soil remediation projects. Actively engaging with local communities, enlightening them about the risks related to soil contamination, and involving them in remediation efforts' planning and execution, cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility for the health of our communal environment.

Regulatory Guidelines and Governmental Support

Robust regulatory frameworks and governmental backing are crucial for the successful execution of soil remediation projects. This includes formulating and enforcing stringent environmental standards, as well as providing financial and technical support to bolster remediation initiatives. Through a collaborative approach, governments, industries, and communities can effect positive change and make significant strides towards tackling the global challenge of soil contamination.

Concluding Remarks

Soil remediation is a critical element of environmental protection and public health strategies. By understanding the various forms of contamination and the most effective remediation techniques, we can strive towards revitalizing contaminated soils and safeguarding the health of both our ecosystems and human populations. Choosing the right remediation method demands careful consideration of factors such as the type and extent of contamination, soil properties, cost and time constraints, and potential environmental and human health risks. Monitoring and evaluation are key components of any soil remediation project to guarantee its long-term success and confirm that contaminants have been effectively managed.

The Future of Soil Remediation

As our comprehension of soil contamination and remediation techniques improves, innovative methods and technologies are persistently being developed. These advancements hold the potential to considerably enhance the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact of soil remediation initiatives. By staying informed about the latest research and progress in the field, we can aim towards implementing more sustainable and effective solutions to tackle soil contamination issues and safeguard our environment for future generations.

[botanyone]

Nanoplastics threaten plants' ability to clean up industrial waste

You can listen to this page as an audio file. There’s a lot of research on constructing artificial wetlands to clean up industrial waste. Now a new study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials conducted by Huawei Jia and colleagues in China has revealed that the aquatic plant Pontederia crassipes, (also known as Eichhornia crassipes or Water Hyacinth), often used to remove contaminants…

[deltaremediation]

Environmental Cleanup: Bioremediation as an Eco-Friendly Solution

Bioremediation is an eco-friendly approach that uses microorganisms or their enzymes to clean up environmental pollutants. It is a sustainable and cost-effective method to treat contaminated soil, water, and air. Bioremediation can be applied to a variety of pollutants, including petroleum, pesticides, and solvents. The process involves various biochemical reactions, microbial interactions, and environmental factors.

The principles of bioremediation are based on the natural processes of microbial degradation and plant uptake. Microorganisms have evolved to use various organic compounds as sources of energy and nutrients. They have a diverse range of enzymes that can break down complex molecules into simpler forms that can be utilized by the cell. In bioremediation, microbial degradation is enhanced by adding nutrients, oxygen, and other growth-promoting factors to the contaminated site. This can be achieved by various techniques, such as bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and phytoremediation.

There are several types of bioremediation techniques that can be applied to different types of pollutants and environments. The most common ones are in situ bioremediation, ex situ bioremediation, bioventing, biosparging, and bioreactors.

Bioremediation has been applied to a wide range of environmental pollutants and industries. Petroleum, heavy metal, pesticide, industrial waste, and landfill leachate contamination are some of the common applications of bioremediation.

Compared to traditional remediation techniques, such as excavation and incineration, bioremediation offers several benefits. It is sustainable, cost-effective, versatile, and non-invasive. Therefore, bioremediation is a promising eco-friendly solution for environmental cleanup.

[yellowgnomeboots]

Soo.... you know how sometimes you accidentally say a thing that brings about a whole revelation? I mentioned to some people at a heritage stall displaying cool rubbish found buried in our city that I also found rubbish in my garden - little bottles, broken crockery, and sometimes paint tins which were a bit of a worry because they are probably toxic... uh oh.

So I am going to get the soil tested, and also am planting sunflowers and ornamental kale/cabbage because they remove lead etc from the soil (you send them to landfill before they start to decompose) just in case. Even if the soil is fine, no harm in planting some decorative plants that will make it even more fine. Also, if there had been a nuclear reactor disaster here they’d help with that but that’s one problem that is irrelevant to me at least.

[cyanoblog]

Junkyard Biosphere | Future Transformations  Previously an auto wrecking yard and used tire lot for 50+ years, this site has pockets of heavy metals & petroleum hydrocarbons, plus heaps of tires, car parts, & industrial debris. The junkyard abuts the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. This feasibility study explores rehabilitation & development of the site.The preliminary proposal shrinks the wrecking yard, and removes hot spots of contamination. It carves out space for a retirement home, provides a new access point and parking for the Bruce Trail, and grows a re-naturalized buffer zone using bioremediation and phytoremediation methods. Image Description: 1. Drone video going over a site with a lot of trailers and car parts next to a wetland sanctuary. Video credit @simonrabyniuk 2. Video of a plan drawing of the site with trees being added. Illustration credit  @guilherme.baldessin #carmartin #cyanstation #architecture #autowreckingyard #wreckingyard #carlot #wetland #brucetrailconservancy #niagaraescarpment #remediation #phytoremediation #decontamination #feasibilitystudy #dronefootage #sitevisit #dronesitevisit #bufferspace #publictrail #publicparking #siteproposal #plandrawing #architecturegif #illustraarch #torontoarchitects #symbiosis #siteremediation #publictrails #dronevideos #architecturedrone #architectureproposal https://www.instagram.com/p/ChU9Ex7LkKT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[earaercircular]

Hemp grows in fields around 3M Antwerp (B) to get PFAS out of the ground

Taking PFAS pollution out of the ground, and making money from it too. A pilot project in the shadow of the 3M factory in Zwijndrecht (B) is trying to show that it can someday be done. “Digging and burning my fertile soil is not an option.”

Between the topinambour, fennel and parsnips that organic farmer Koen Doggen grows on the grounds of his agricultural company Moesland[1] in Zwijndrecht[2], a few hundred square meters of hemp have been growing for a few days now: the organic hemp variety 'uso31', to be precise. Not to ever sell, but as part of a pilot project.

Moesland is barely 2 kilometres from the Zwijndrecht factory site of the American chemical company 3M, that has been known for a year now as being responsible for a major pollution with PFAS[3] chemicals in the wider area. “Yes, the ground on which we are now standing is also polluted,’ says Doggen. “In tests, they found 8.3 micrograms of PFAS per kilogram of dry matter, while the standard is 3.8 micrograms. An organic farmer with polluted soil, of course, that is entirely contradictory.'

3M is participating

Doggen initially feared for the future of his company, until repeated tests showed that his vegetables contain no detectable traces of PFAS. Doggen: “That pollution is still in my soil, it has to be removed. But an “aggressive” remediation method, in which the soil is excavated and burned (DS 1 April), is of no use to me as a farmer. The survival of my company depends on the fertile soil that is present here. If it is excavated, I can start all over again, a work of decades. That is certainly not an option.”

When Doggen was contacted a few months ago for a pilot project on phytoremediation with hemp, he almost immediately agreed to cooperate. The reasoning behind that technique sounds quite simple. When plants get water and nutrients from the soil, certain plants also use their roots to suck up any pollution, which they carry away in this way. The pollution also disappears during the harvest.

The driving force behind the trial in Zwijndrecht is the entrepreneur from the province of East-Flanders Frederik Verstraete, [4] who previously set up projects in which hemp was grown for use in the construction of sustainable insulation material (DS 31 July 2021). At the insistence of the city council of Zwijndrecht, 3M is also supporting the pilot project. “If this works, it will of course be very good news for 3M,” says Verstraete. “But not only Zwijndrecht has a problem. Spread all over Flanders, there are hotspots with PFAS. It is simply impossible to remediate them all in the classical way. At 80 euros per tonne of land, you can easily talk about hundreds of millions, even billions. Another solution is needed.”

Traffic bollards

And that solution could well be the hemp plant, a plant that grows easily without fertilisation, even on poor soils. “Field trials in the United States have already shown that hemp can lower PFAS concentrations in contaminated soils. It turns out that the plant mainly stores the molecules at the roots and the leaves, not so much in the stem”, says Sofie Thijs of the Center for Environmental Sciences at Hasselt University[5], who is leading the scientific research within this project. “Whether it will actually work remains thrilling. The question is also how many growth cycles are needed until the contamination falls below the standard of 3.8 micrograms. Still, I hope to be able to reduce the pollution on the test field, halving would be a lot. People are often sceptical about phytoremediation, but classical remediation techniques cannot remove all PFAS from the ground either.”

The newly planted hemp will be harvested this fall, lab tests will then reveal whether they also extracted PFAS from the soil. If that is the case, then it can be scaled up step by step.

Verstraete: “Not next year, but in about ten years we hope to have a solution in our hands. Although that will only work if we can also link a revenue model to that hemp, otherwise farmers have no reason to plant them.”

In addition to the processing of hemp into building materials, people are also thinking aloud about hemp traffic bollards. "Every year we get 1,000 tons of steel from India for our traffic signage," says Tony Mariën of Trafiroad,[6] who also went to Zwijndrecht yesterday. “If we could ever replace that import with a local product, we would be very happy.”

Source

Pieter Van Maele: In velden rond 3M groeit hennep om PFAS uit de grond te krijgen, in: De Standaard, 11-06-2022 ; https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20220610_96538047

[1] Moesland (formerly De Groenten van de Koen) is a new agricultural company with a new farmer.

A country full of edible goodies, a huge vegetable garden for a large group of people who want to eat local, fresh, ecological and fair trade. https://biomijnnatuur.be/biopunten/moesland

[2] Zwijndrecht is both a village and a municipality located in the Flemish province of Antwerp, in Belgium. As well as Zwijndrecht itself, the municipality includes the village of Burcht. In 2021, Zwijndrecht had a total population of 19,263

[3] Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) (conjugate base perfluorooctanesulfonate) is an anthropogenic (human-made) fluorosurfactant, now regarded as a global pollutant. PFOS, PFOA and other PFASs are known to persist in the environment and are commonly described as persistent organic pollutants, also known as “forever chemicals”.

[4] Read also: https://earaercircular.tumblr.com/post/658382676679639040/will-plants-also-soon-remove-pfos-from-the-soil

[5]  In 1997, the existing environmental research of several UHasselt research groups was brought together under one roof, the Centre for Environmental Sciences, CMK. Initially, CMK as a research institute focused on issues related to environmental stress in general, and more specifically on effects on organisms, soil, water and air contamination. Over the years, CMK expanded its research capabilities to provide academic expertise and leadership for two additional research lines: “sustainable, clean technologies”, and biodiversity, ecosystem services and climate change”. https://www.uhasselt.be/CMK

[6] Total supplier for road markings, road signage, construction and traffic techniques. https://www.trafiroad.be/nl

[peer2peace]

Hemp Phytoremediation: Cleaning nuclear radiation and toxic soil

Hemp Phytoremediation: Cleaning nuclear radiation and toxic soil

Written by Alexandra Hicks The medical benefits of cannabis, in all of its forms, are well documented – as are the countless number of products that can be made with it. But did you know this plant can also save the planet? Hemp in particular, has an abundance of practical applications that go far beyond just its industrial uses. Hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa L. plant with less than…

[wausaupilot]

UWSP faculty awarded grant for soils research

The group’s proposal, Phytoremediation of PFAS in Wisconsin Soils using Hemp and Alfalfa, was funded $175,000, to be split between two years from January 2024 through December 2025.

STEVENS POINT – Five faculty members at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a collaborator at UW-Madison were awarded one of three 2023 Universities of Wisconsin Innovation Grants for research on phytoremediation, the removal of synthetic materials from soil using living plants, UWSP announced today. The group’s proposal, Phytoremediation of PFAS in Wisconsin Soils using Hemp and…

[annimovsisyan]

Pteris vittata, aka Chinese brake, ladder brake, or Chinese ladder brake, is the first plant identified to be able to hyperaccumulate arsenic and reduce its quantities in soil. Scientists have been proposing for a while that this fern could be useful in phytoremediation (extracting and removing/reducing the amount of elemental pollutants in soil).

[delta-remediation]

Groundwater Remediation

Introduction

Groundwater is a crucial resource that serves as a primary source of drinking water for millions of people worldwide. However, due to various human activities, groundwater contamination has become a pressing issue. This article will discuss the causes of groundwater contamination, its effects on human health and the environment, and several groundwater remediation techniques. Additionally, we will explore the challenges and future perspectives of groundwater remediation.

Causes of Groundwater Contamination

Industrial Activities

Industries often produce waste materials containing hazardous chemicals that can contaminate groundwater when improperly handled or disposed of. Common contaminants include heavy metals, solvents, and petroleum products. Groundwater pollution can also result from accidental spills or leaks from storage tanks and pipelines.

Agricultural Activities

Modern agriculture relies heavily on the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. These chemicals can infiltrate the soil and eventually reach the groundwater. Moreover, improper management of animal waste and irrigation can lead to the contamination of groundwater by pathogens, nutrients, and organic matter.

Landfills and Waste Disposal

Improper disposal of solid waste in landfills can lead to the release of contaminants into the groundwater. Landfills can contain a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals, organic compounds, and hazardous chemicals. Additionally, improperly managed septic systems can contaminate groundwater with pathogens and nutrients.

Effects of Contaminated Groundwater

Human Health

The consumption of contaminated groundwater can lead to various health problems, ranging from gastrointestinal illnesses to severe neurological disorders. Some of the most common contaminants, such as nitrates, heavy metals, and organic compounds, are associated with severe health risks when ingested over an extended period.

Ecosystems

Contaminated groundwater can harm ecosystems when it discharges into rivers, lakes, or oceans. The pollutants can cause eutrophication, a process that results in an overgrowth of algae and the depletion of oxygen in the water. This can lead to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms, as well as a decline in biodiversity.

Socioeconomic Impacts

Contaminated groundwater can have significant socioeconomic repercussions, including increased healthcare costs, reduced agricultural productivity, and diminished property values. Moreover, the contamination of groundwater resources can lead to conflicts between communities and even countries that share transboundary aquifers.

Groundwater Remediation Techniques

Pump and Treat

Pump and treat is a widely-used remediation technique that involves extracting contaminated groundwater, treating it to remove pollutants, and then re-injecting or discharging the treated water. Treatment methods can include physical, chemical, or biological processes, depending on the type of contaminants present.

In-situ Bioremediation

In-situ bioremediation involves stimulating the growth of naturally occurring microorganisms in the contaminated groundwater to degrade pollutants. This is achieved by adding nutrients, oxygen, or other amendments that help the microbes break down contaminants. This method is particularly effective for treating organic compounds such as petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents.

Permeable Reactive Barriers

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are a passive remediation technique that involves installing a reactive material in the path of contaminated groundwater flow. As the polluted water passes through the barrier, contaminants are removed by processes such as adsorption, precipitation, or chemical reactions. Common reactive materials used in PRBs include zero-valent iron, activated carbon, and biochar.

Phytoremediation

Phytoremediation is a green remediation technology that uses plants to remove, degrade, or stabilize contaminants in the soil and groundwater. Some plants can absorb and accumulate contaminants in their tissues, while others can promote the degradation of pollutants through their root systems or by releasing chemicals that stimulate microbial activity. This method is especially useful for treating contaminants such as heavy metals, nitrates, and organic compounds.

Challenges and Future Perspectives

Despite the progress in groundwater remediation techniques, several challenges remain. These include the complexity of groundwater systems, the presence of mixed contaminants, and the need for long-term monitoring and maintenance. Future research should focus on developing more efficient and cost-effective remediation technologies, as well as enhancing our understanding of the interactions between contaminants and the subsurface environment.

Conclusion

Groundwater contamination is a critical issue that poses significant risks to human health, ecosystems, and socioeconomic stability. A variety of remediation techniques, such as pump and treat, in-situ bioremediation, permeable reactive barriers, and phytoremediation, have been developed to address this problem. However, challenges remain, and continued research and innovation are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of our precious groundwater resources.

FAQs

1. What are the primary causes of groundwater contamination?

Groundwater contamination can result from various human activities, such as industrial activities, agricultural practices, and improper waste disposal in landfills and septic systems.

2. How does contaminated groundwater affect human health?

Contaminated groundwater can lead to various health problems when consumed, ranging from gastrointestinal illnesses to severe neurological disorders, depending on the specific contaminants present.

3. What are some common groundwater remediation techniques?

Some common groundwater remediation techniques include pump and treat, in-situ bioremediation, permeable reactive barriers, and phytoremediation.

4. What are the challenges associated with groundwater remediation?

Challenges associated with groundwater remediation include the complexity of groundwater systems, the presence of mixed contaminants, and the need for long-term monitoring and maintenance.

5. What is phytoremediation?

Phytoremediation is a green remediation technology that uses plants to remove, degrade, or stabilize contaminants in the soil and groundwater.

[determinate-negation]

sunflowers also have the quality of removing metals and toxins from soil theyre in and can be used for phytoremediation to decontaminate soil

[lepidopterasun]

Solarpunk Archives Personal Project

I'm gonna start working on this collection of solarpunk stuff, which will mostly be DIYs and how tos. I'm holding off on stories and art for now because theres already the official Solarpunk Magazine, which I think yall should check out. But I might make a separate one for art and stories. You can use this for inspiration for your own solarpunk collection, mine is still very much a work in progress hehe

Contents

DIYs - crafting recipes, repairs, how to use tools, clothes making and mending, recycling and reusing items, how to use natural resources near you for items

Urban Gardening - focus on gardening in cities, urban areas, how to make food gardens for large communities, foraging, planting for phytoremediation and rhizofiltration (taking up heavy metals out of soils, water filtration)

Building Community - recreating third spaces, learning about your neighbors and people that live in your community, how to build communities, holding events and celebrations

Activism and Protesting - how to protest efficiently, safety, how to create support groups, how to lead and teach others on important educational subjects (history, climate change)