Greenhouse treatability studies on phytoremediation of perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) using black willow and eastern poplar

Abstract

Greenhouse studies were conducted to determine the effectiveness of black willow, eastern poplar, and duckweed to uptake, transform, and degrade perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE). Results indicate that both black willow and eastern poplar are capable of decontaminating solution concentrations of up to 20 mg/L of PCE and 45 mg/L TCE. High concentrations of 45 mg/L PCE were shown to be toxic to the plants. Duckweed did not exhibit the ability to degrade these compounds. The results indicate that black willow and eastern poplar can transform and degrade these recalcitrant compounds and have the potential for application to remediate shallow, contaminated soil and groundwater.