**6.4 Advantages of phytoremediation**



#### **Table 2.**

*Estimated savings using phytoremediation over other conventional methods [92].*

(excavation, disposal) and phytoremediation. He stated that costs of excavation and disposal were \$300,000 per acre, while phytormediation costs \$110,000 per acre (approx.). Thus phyto-remediation is estimated to cost effective (**Table 2**).


It has certain limitation such as phytoremediation technology requires more onfield results to be embraced as a mainstream technology for remediation of polluted soils by government agencies so that the benefits of this emerging technology are utilized and also it is a slow process and takes a long time (3–4 years) to meet the clean-up goals. The waste biomass is a biohazard and must be handled carefully. Sometimes improper handling and elevated post-harvest handling costs are notable setbacks of this technology [84].

Phytoremediation can be enhanced by the assistance of chelating agents like EDTA and EDGA. However, significant results had been seen only when larger quantities of chelating substances were applied and a potential threat of chelate enhanced metal leaching and groundwater contamination is a serious concern. The addition of EDTA has been shown to increase metal shoot: root ratio with the cost of lower net root and shoot biomass production [95]. Alternatively, a biodegradable chelating agent like EDDS in hot solution (90°C) can be used in substitution to chemical enhanced phytoremediation to reduce chemical leaching [96].

*Persistant Organic Pollutants in Soil and Its Phytoremediation DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99835*
