Ecological Engineering

Effectiveness of in situ application of an Integrated PhytoremediationSystem (IPS) by adding a selected blend of rhizosphere microbes toheavily multi-contaminated soils.

ABSTRACT

In recent years, the disposal of former industrial sites has widely become a key subject of interest in termsof remediation in order to promote their different use for the community. The use of biological processes,such as phytoremediation, has been worldwide discussed with varying success.In this study, we applied an Integrated Phytoremediation System (IPS), which represents a cost-effective system, environmentally friendly, socially accepted for the removal of the risks associated withthe contamination of heavy metal (As, Cd, Pb and Zn) of unsaturated soils.The combination of suitable agronomic soil management and biostimulation of plant growth by inoc-ulation of rhizosphere microbes allowed to increase biomass production of selected plant species (Acaciasaligna and Eucalyptus camaldulensis) in very stressful conditions and, consequently, promote the phy-toremediation of contaminants.The experimental study in situ revealed a significant positive aptitude of selected plant species to keepPTEs (Potential Toxic Elements) in their root system, with a restricted translocation to the abovegroundparts.The “plant-fungi-bacteria” system in rhizosphere level showed, also, strong ability to remove thebioavailable fraction of contaminants with a considerable reduction of the risks associated to the con-tamination.This study reveals that the application of an Integrated Phytoremediation System (IPS) permits to reachthe soil remediation in few years with economically, socially and environmentally sustainable costs.

A cura di: Carmine Guarino, Rosaria Sciarrillo