Phytoremediation of polychlorinated biphenyls: new trends and promises

Benoit Van Aken; Paola A Correa; Jerald L Schnoor

doi:10.1021/es902514d

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Phytoremediation of polychlorinated biphenyls: new trends and promises

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Phytoremediation of polychlorinated biphenyls: new trends and promises

Benoit Van Aken, Paola A Correa and Jerald L Schnoor

Environmental science & technology, Vol.44(8), pp.2767-2776

04/15/2010

DOI: 10.1021/es902514d

PMCID: PMC3025541

PMID: 20384372

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/3025541View

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Abstract

Transgenic plants and associated bacteria constitute a new generation of genetically modified organisms for efficient and environment-friendly treatment of soil and water contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). This review focuses on recent advances in phytoremediation for the treatment of PCBs, including the development of transgenic plants and associated bacteria. Phytoremediation, or the use of higher plants for rehabilitation of soil and groundwater, is a promising strategy for cost-effective treatment of sites contaminated by toxic compounds, including PCBs. Plants can help mitigate environmental pollution by PCBs through a range of mechanisms: besides uptake from soil (phytoextraction), plants are capable of enzymatic transformation of PCBs (phytotransformation); by releasing a variety of secondary metabolites, plants also enhance the microbial activity in the root zone, improving biodegradation of PCBs (rhizoremediation). However, because of their hydrophobicity and chemical stability, PCBs are only slowly taken up and degraded by plants and associated bacteria, resulting in incomplete treatment and potential release of toxic metabolites into the environment. Moreover, naturally occurring plant-associated bacteria may not possess the enzymatic machinery necessary for PCB degradation. To overcome these limitations, bacterial genes involved in the metabolism of PCBs, such as biphenyl dioxygenases, have been introduced into higher plants, following a strategy similar to the development of transgenic crops. Similarly, bacteria have been genetically modified that exhibit improved biodegradation capabilities and are able to maintain stable relationships with plants. Transgenic plants and associated bacteria bring hope for a broader and more efficient application of phytoremediation for the treatment of PCBs.

Bacteria - metabolism

Plants, Genetically Modified - metabolism

Environmental Pollutants - isolation & purification

Environmental Pollutants - metabolism

Polychlorinated Biphenyls - metabolism

Environmental Restoration and Remediation - methods

Polychlorinated Biphenyls - isolation & purification

Details

Title: Subtitle: Phytoremediation of polychlorinated biphenyls: new trends and promises
Creators: Benoit Van Aken - Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. bvanaken@temple.edu
Paola A Correa
Jerald L Schnoor
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Environmental science & technology, Vol.44(8), pp.2767-2776
DOI: 10.1021/es902514d
PMID: 20384372
PMCID: PMC3025541
NLM abbreviation: Environ Sci Technol
ISSN: 0013-936X
eISSN: 1520-5851
Publisher: United States
Grant note: P30 ES005605 / NIEHS NIH HHS P42 ES013661-04 / NIEHS NIH HHS P42ES05605 / NIEHS NIH HHS P42 ES013661 / NIEHS NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 04/15/2010
Academic Unit: Civil and Environmental Engineering; Occupational and Environmental Health; Iowa Superfund Research Program
Record Identifier: 9983992075902771

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