Phytodegradation
Phytodegradation involves the degradation of organic contaminants directly through the release of enzymes from roots or through metabolic activities within plant tissues Nature. This process breaks down contaminants into less toxic or non-toxic forms. Organic contaminants are taken up by roots and metabolised in plant tissues to less toxic substances Nature, with plants producing enzymes that catalyse the breakdown of complex organic molecules. The process may involve either the volatilisation of constituents or their incorporation into the soil matrix RSC Publishing.
Phytodegradation has been particularly successful with hydrophobic organic contaminants Nature, and can degrade petroleum hydrocarbons, PCBs, PAHs, pesticides, and explosives. Related to this is phytostimulation (rhizodegradation), which enhances soil microbial activity through plant root exudates of carbohydrates and acids, resulting in biodegradation of organic contaminants Wikipedia. Poplar trees (Populus spp.) have been used successfully in phytodegradation of toxic and recalcitrant organic compounds Nature, whilst other species including tobacco and various grasses are effective for different contaminant types.