A PHYTOREMEDIATION METHOD USING MANGROVES TO REMOVE LEAD AND COPPER IN CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS

摘要

Phytoremediation, a green/environment friendly method using mangroves to remove lead and copper in contaminated sediments and waters in coastal ecosystems is disclosed. Naturally occurring magroves can be utilized to eradicate heavy metals such as lead and copper in polluted sediments. Lead and copper can be absorbed by the roots and leaves of mangroves depending on the mangrove species. The method revealed here could be used continuously to clean pollutants and toxic wastes as long as the mangroves are present and growing in the coastal ecosystems.