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Research into the phytoremediation of PCB – contaminated soil at the experimental field “ Zadar Substation”

Phytoremediation uses plants to degrade, stabilize or remove toxic compounds from contaminated soil and water. The serious problem of soil contaminated with organic chemicals affects human health, ecosystem functions and agriculture. The cost of soil cleanup are high and researchers believe that phytoremediation could provide an extremely cost-effective and much less disruptive cleanup process when compared to traditional cleanup techniques, such as transporting massive amounts of contaminated soil to hazardous waste landfills. Research into the phytoremediation of PCB contaminated soil at the experimental field “ Zadar Substation” started in September 2003. Experimental filed was established and prepared for sowing in July 2003. The experimental field consists of 10 plots. Before sowing, soil samples were taken in order to determine PCB levels in a homogenized soil. In cooperation with the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, we decided to sow three experimental plots with Dactiliys glomerata L. (cocksfoot), other three with Alfalfa L. and four control plots were not sowen. New soil samples from control and experimental plots were taken three months after sowing to determine possible change in PCB levels. Based on literature research and in cooperation with other scienists, we decided to expand our research. In September 2004, four experimental plots that were not sowen before were prepared for sowing. Experimental plots were devided into12 smaller plots and lysimeters (instruments for measuring water volume wich percolates through a certain depth of soil) were embeded in each of 12 new plots. Three plots were sowen with Arabidopsis thaliana L., three with Alfalfa L., three with adriatic grass mixture and three plots were not sowen (control plots). In July 2005, all plants grown at the experimental field during one year were identified. Twenty plant species were found at the experimental field. Each species had different distribution and abundancy at the experimental plots.

phytoremediation; PCB; soil; Zadar

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