Phytoremediation with Salix: A sustainable approach to PFAS remediation at firefighting training sites
2024
Kängsepp, Pille | Svensson, Britt-Marie | Djerf, Henric | Roos, Simon
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution has escalated into a significant environmental challenge, with firetraining sites identified as one of the sources. The development of effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient methods to reduce or minimize the further environmental impact of PFAS to the surrounding is necessary. The growth of three Salix cultivars: Ester, Wilhelm, and Loden was evaluated in a laboratory study. The aim was to assess the impact of PFAS-contaminated soil and irrigation water on plant development and to identify the cultivars most suitable for large-scale use in phytoremediation projects. The cultivars were grown in PFAS-contaminated soil originating from a firetraining site in southern Sweden. The experimental setup involved irrigation with both tap water and PFAS-contaminated groundwater, with a control group planted in uncontaminated soil (commercial potting soil) and watered with tap water. The study was conducted over a period of six weeks, during which the growth of the Salix cultivars was evaluated. All three Salix cultivars exhibited a well-developed root system and shoot growth compared to control, under the tested condition. These results suggest that Salix has the ability to grow in environments contaminated with PFAS at the levels examined. This study highlights the potential of Salix as a viable candidate for phytoremediation strategies at sites impacted by PFAS.
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Publisher LBTU Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences
This bibliographic record has been provided by Fundamental Library of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies