Earth And Space Science Project Abstract
PHYTOREMEDIATION OF AN INDUSTRIAL SITE (2003)
Presenters:
Zheyan Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; jennyc@imsa.edu
Mara H. Horwitz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; mhorwitz@imsa.edu
Sydney K. Null, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; squit@imsa.edu
Advisor:
Dr. David Workman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Physics, Aurora, IL, 60506; 630-907-5915; workman@imsa.edu
Abstract:
Phytoremediation is an emerging technique that uses living plants to clean up instances of contamination by various organic solvents. The chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) is utilized by many industrial companies in the vapor degreasing of fabricated metal parts. Since the spring of 2000, this project has studied the phytoremediation by different species of trees of a TCE polluted industrial site on Sullivan Road. The purpose is to evaluate the overall effectiveness of this process for remediation. Cleanliness will be achieved when TCE levels in the groundwater are below federal regulatory standards. Tree growth measurements and contaminated water samples were taken at the cessation and inception of the growing season. Water samples are being processed through the high performance gas chromatograph to determine toxin concentration. The capability of a tree to degrade TCE is proportional to factors such as biomass, transpiration rate, root system depth, and resistance to potentially harmful environmental factors. It is concluded that hybrid poplars achieved the most growth, and hence, is the most efficient of the species sample at breaking down TCE. The group has also met with lawyers litigating TCE pollution cases, who provided current information on the impact of toxic contaminants on humans and society.