Phytoremediation: the state of rhizosphere 'engineering' for accelerated rhizodegradation of xenobiotic contaminants

• Published in: Journal of chemical technology and biotechnology (1986) 2007-03, Vol.82 (3), p.228-232
• Main Author: Dzantor, E. Kudjo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; biodegradation; Biological and medical sciences; Biotechnology; Chemical engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Methods. Procedures. Technologies; opine concept; Others; phytoremediation; rhizodegradation; rhizosphere engineering; Various methods and equipments; xenobiotic organic contaminants
• ISSN: 0268-2575; 1097-4660
• DOI: 10.1002/jctb.1662

Phytoremediation has emerged as the method of choice for cleaning up a broad range of environmental contaminants. One process through which plants render some xenobiotic organic contaminants innocuous in soil involves plant–microbe interactions in which root exudates stimulate entire microbial communities, or induce specific enzymes in competent individuals to cause enhanced rhizodegradation. For some contaminants these inherent processes can be slow; however, potentials exist for their improvement through rhizosphere manipulations. Although this requires a greater understanding than currently exists with respect to plant and microbe components and interactions involved in the biodegradation of xenobiotic contaminants, improved understanding is being achieved by advances in biochemical and molecular characterization, and visualization of rhizosphere phenomena. In combination with earlier knowledge of naturally‐occurring plant–microbe interactions such as the opine concept, this new knowledge considerably improves the opportunities for manipulating rhizosphere interactions to greatly accelerate rhizodegradation for routine practical implementation in the field. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry