Submitted to: Environment International Publication Type: Peer
Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: March 15, 2004
Publication Date: August 15, 2004 Citation: Chekol, T., Vough,
L.R., Chaney, R.L. 2004. Phytoremediation of polychlorinated
biphenyl-contaminated soils: the rhizosphere effect. Environment
International. 30(6):799-804. Interpretive Summary:
Phytoremediation uses plants to aid in biodegradation of
xenobiotic (non-natural) organic compounds which require
remediation. The present study was conducted to characterize the
role of plants and soil microbes in biodegradation of PCBs in
amended soils. Initially different grass and legume forage crops
were evaluated for their ability to increase the extent of PCB
degradation. The two most effective plant species, Reed Canary
Grass and Switchgrass, were further evaluated in sterilized and
non-sterilized soil, with both unplanted and planted treatments.
Sterilization had little effect on the rate of biodegradation,
while planting substantially increa