Phytoremediation of selenium laden soils: A new technology

High concentrations of soil (Se) are potentially toxic to plants and animals in many regions of the western United States. Phytoremediation with different plant species, i.e., Brassica spp, is an alternative strategy for reducing soil Se concentrations to non-toxic levels. Se-accumulating plant species which have substantial ability to absorb, accumulate, and volatilize Se have been studied and grown on soils to remove Se. Selenium accumulated in plant tissues can then be harvested and removed from the contaminated site.