MANHATTAN -- It's a problem occurring across the country. Hazardous chemicals left behind in landfills and dump sites threaten water supplies and health. Clean-up is expensive and time-consuming.
But research at Kansas State University into a process known as plant-based bioremediation is showing that an answer to those problems could be helped by something as simple as planting a tree.
"Essentially, bioremediation is using organisms to clean up contaminants," said Larry Davis, professor of biochemistry. "Usually it means bacteria or fungi-emphasizing plants which are present in the root zone."
In essence, the vegetation serves as a pump bringing contaminated water close to the surface. Depending on the type of chemical present, bacteria on the plant roots can feed on some types of chemicals, while other chemicals are brought closer to the surface, which can hasten their degradation because oxygen is present.
"In some cases, we have actually seen 10 pounds per acre a day removed," Davis said. "It really depends on what's present there."
In either case, using plant-based bioremediation is cheaper then more traditional methods of clean-up such as pumping and treating or excavation, according to Larry Erickson, professor of chemical engineering.
"I would say society is going to save many millions of dollars," he said. "We're finding the use of vegetation has use in a number of environments and a number of problems."
That's hopefully going to be the case in Riley County, which is the home county of both K-State and the city of Manhattan. Facing clean-up costs at a closed landfill, they drew on K-State's expertise in the area of bioremediation for a solution.
Drawing on work by both students and faculty, the county decided to adopt bioremediation as a solution. This spring, 5,000 poplar trees will be planted at the site.
"It's really an application of university research to a county
level," said Ann
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Contact: Cheryl May
news@ksu.edu
913-532-6415
Kansas State University
27-Nov-1996