Root associated microbiome of trees growing in a fractured bedrock toluene phytoremediation site

Phytoremediation (plant-based environmental cleanup) is a green, cost-effective alternative to conventional methods for contaminated site cleanup, which often involve extensive, community-disruptive, industrial efforts. Deep-rooted trees, such as hybrid Canadian poplars, can effectively be used to contain and clean up petroleum-derived contaminants in soil and groundwater resources. The proposed research project is aimed at verifying the suitability and efficacy of this plant-based technology for clean-up of environmental releases specifically affecting areas with complex geology, where intricate movement of groundwater and contaminants underground make assessing clean-up processes difficult. This research will assess the removal of contaminated water by poplar trees, as well as the changes in the population of microorganisms that use petroleum-derived products as food sources. The anticipated benefit of the proposed research for our partner organization and the industry as a whole is the evaluation of phytoremediation as a viable option for corrective actions at contaminated sites with complex geology.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kari Dunfield

Student:

Partner:

BP Corporation North America, Inc.;EcoMetrix Incorporated

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Guelph

Program: