Page 9 - Plant-Based Remediation Processes

viii Preface

typically referring to microbe-based cleanup, and phytoremediation, or plant-based
cleanup, have generated much interest as effective low-cost and environmentally
friendly technologies for the cleanup of a broad spectrum of hazardous organic and
inorganic pollutants (Pilon-Smits 2005). Plant-based environmental remediation
has been widely pursued by academic and industrial scientists as a favorable low-
impact cleanup technology applicable in both developed and developing nations
(Robinson et al. 2003). Physiological, biochemical, and molecular approaches are
continually being applied to identify the underlying mechanisms of metal tolerance
and hyperaccumulation (Lasat 2002). The drive to find genes underlying these
unique biological properties is partly fueled by interest in using transgenic plants
in phytoremediation (Pilon-Smits 2005). Interestingly, as transgenics are being
tested in the field and the associated risks assessed, their use appears to be more
accepted and less regulated than has been the case for transgenic crops (Pilon-Smits
and Pilon 2002).
In last two decades phytoremediation work got so much attention from the
scientists and researchers throughout the globe. The main purpose of this book is
to present recent advances in the field, mainly on the use of green plants for
remediation of various metal/metalloids. Other key features of the book are related
to biomonitoring of heavy metal pollution, different amendments for higher uptake
of toxic metals, transport of heavy metal in plants, mechanism of toxicity, and
remediation through engineering plants. Some chapters are also dealt with trans-
genic as well as metallomics approaches for the remediation of heavy metal/
metalloids. Some chapters are focusing on recent protocols for phytotechnological
tools for metal contaminations. Overall the information compiled in this book will
bring in-depth knowledge and advancement of phytoremediation technologies in
recent years.
Dr. Dharmendra Kumar Gupta is personally thankful to the authors for
contributing their time, knowledge, and enthusiasm to bring this book into shape.

Mol, Belgium Dr. Dharmendra Kumar Gupta

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Gupta DK, Sandalio LM (2012) Metal toxicity in plants: perception, signaling and remediation.
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