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high biomass production grasses (Miscanthus, Vetiver) and tree species to be
used for energy production. Stress the added value of the combination of
economic sustainability and erosion control.
• The development and application of phytotechnologies as an environmentally
sound approach involves a number of additional challenges. These include the
development of local capacity to understand and apply phytoremediation
technologies and make them suitable for local economic and environmental
conditions and the establishment of an effective regulatory framework. In
some countries, there is a lack of experience in the use of phytoremediation.
This is often coupled with a lack of data, performance standards, and
cost–benefit analyses regarding phytotechnologies. In summary, there is a
need for:
– Appropriate phytoremediation technologies and techniques applicable to
different geographic regions with varying weather conditions
– Site characterization, clean-up, and technology selection criteria, including
decision support tools
– Assessment and evaluation methods that can be applied to determine the
applicability and appropriateness of various phytoremediation techniques
– Local training for environmental remediation practitioners on the planning
and implementation of phytoremediation schemes.
• Extended complex polluted sites, including mining sites and smelter areas, often
are characterized by a high spatial variation in pollutant levels and soil
parameters, relevant for determining mobility, and bioavailability of heavy
metals. Developing such sites gives good chances for phytotechnologies to be
among a mix of invasive and noninvasive techniques and approaches to be used
for site development, especially when creating parks and recreational areas.

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