Fitorisanamento di suoli contaminati da metalli pesanti e metalloidi

The aim of this study was to identify plant species capable of bio-accumulation of metals/metalloids for phytoremediation. Two projects involved the application of the fern Pteris vittata in the field. It has been investigated its hyperaccumulator ability on soils with multiple contaminant, in presence or absence of mycorrhization. P. vittata showed optimum efficiency to accumulate As and strong capacity to survive in presence of high concentrations of co-contaminants. Mycorrhizal fungi have favoured the growth of ferns and their tolerance to other contaminants. The third project was aimed at the identification of an halophyte species that could be used for the Pb phytoremediation of a saltmarsh. The results showed that the area can not be clean up by native plant species. The remediation could be alternatively achieved through: soil washing and phytoextraction with chelating or landfilling.