Phytoremediation as accelerator of transformation towards regenerative cities : A nature based solution for environmental pollution
The linear use of land is informed by economic activities, often resulting in depleting or polluting characteristics, which eventually lead to land abandonment. For land use to become circular, more so regenerative, the land must be remediated in ways through which it becomes usable and useful again. Especially given the modern demands for the lands we cultivate, it becomes increasingly important to think of ways to restore and revitalise sites once contaminated. Phytoremediation is a natural process in which plants are used to remediate contamination, and therefore opens the possibility for a net-positive balance. The actual removal rate of heavy metals and other forms of pollution might be low, but the process of phytoremediation has a wide variety of benefits which can become key to accelerate the transition from contaminated sites into a new phase of land use. As an integrated ecosystem process, phytoremediation could offer a plethora of positive side-effects, by for instance improving the local biodiversity through a careful selection of plant species. Furthermore, it could prevent wind- and water-erosion and in synergy make lands useful for ecological, economic, and social activities. This paper addresses the basic soil remediation aspects of phytoremediation, whilst offering an onlook into the additional benefits of such plants within the context of ecosystem value. These key benefits of phytoremediation are subdivided into ecological, economic, social, and technical aspects. Together, these aspects make phytoremediation useful as an accelerator from contaminated site to a new phase of land use. Transforming linear land use into circular land use and contributing to sustainable land use practices.
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | External research report biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wageningen Science Shop
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| Subjects: | Life Science, |
| Online Access: | https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/phytoremediation-as-accelerator-of-transformation-towards-regener |
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| Summary: | The linear use of land is informed by economic activities, often resulting in depleting or polluting characteristics, which eventually lead to land abandonment. For land use to become circular, more so regenerative, the land must be remediated in ways through which it becomes usable and useful again. Especially given the modern demands for the lands we cultivate, it becomes increasingly important to think of ways to restore and revitalise sites once contaminated. Phytoremediation is a natural process in which plants are used to remediate contamination, and therefore opens the possibility for a net-positive balance. The actual removal rate of heavy metals and other forms of pollution might be low, but the process of phytoremediation has a wide variety of benefits which can become key to accelerate the transition from contaminated sites into a new phase of land use. As an integrated ecosystem process, phytoremediation could offer a plethora of positive side-effects, by for instance improving the local biodiversity through a careful selection of plant species. Furthermore, it could prevent wind- and water-erosion and in synergy make lands useful for ecological, economic, and social activities. This paper addresses the basic soil remediation aspects of phytoremediation, whilst offering an onlook into the additional benefits of such plants within the context of ecosystem value. These key benefits of phytoremediation are subdivided into ecological, economic, social, and technical aspects. Together, these aspects make phytoremediation useful as an accelerator from contaminated site to a new phase of land use. Transforming linear land use into circular land use and contributing to sustainable land use practices. |
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