ARS | Publication request: Phytoextraction to Remediate Metal Contaminated Soils

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: March 8, 2003
Publication Date: March 23, 2004
Citation: Chaney, R.L., Angle, J.S., Reeves, R.D., Baker, J.M., Mcintosh, M.A. 2004. Phytoextraction to remediate metal contaminated soils [abstract]. Abstract Book for TEDCO Lower Eastern Shore Workshop, Salisbury, Maryland (March 23, 2004).

Technical Abstract: Cadmium contamination of rice paddy soils by Zn-Pb mining and smelting wastes has caused adverse health effects of Cd in Japan, China, and Korea, and perhaps other countries. Other sources of cadmium contamination (some pre-regulation biosolids; Cd-pigments; P-fertilizer production wastes) cause Cd contamination with little Zn and may comprise human or ecosystem risks requiring remediation in the US and Europe. Our demonstrated technology for Cd phytoextraction using Thlaspi caerulescens has the largest annual removal of Cd of all plant species proposed for removing Cd from contaminated soils, approximately 10-times higher annual removal rate than the second best, accumulator cultivars of rice grown under upland conditions. Our technology is ready to deploy at some of these sites, and can be further improved by continuing our effort to breed improved cultivars with maximum yield and Cd accumulation. Phytoextraction Associates LLC is cooperating with USDA-ARS under a CRADA and licensing our present intellectual properties.