Endophytic degrader bacteria for improving phytoremediation of organic xenobiotics

Objective

Phytoremediation is an experimental soil cleaning technology. One problem, presently limiting its applicability for certain organic pollutants, is insufficient degradation of the pollutants by the plants. As a result, the original compound or its metabolites build-up in the plants (poisoning the plants) or are volatilised through the leaves (causing a new environmental problem). This project aims to develop and test specific entophytic (-plant-internal) bacteria capable of degrading key pollutants. These new bacteria, when inoculated to the inside of plants, will degrade the pollutants as they are being transported from the roots to the leaves. This will reduce phytotoxicity and volatilisation of the pollutants. As a result, phytoremediation technology will be applicable to more toxic compounds or higher pollutant concentrations, and will maintain its social and regulatory appeal.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-3. - Key action The "Cell factory"

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE - MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

Address

399,Frederiksborgvej 399
4000 Roskilde
Denmark

Participants (6)

DEME ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRACTORS N.V.

Belgium

Address

Haven 1025 Scheldedijk 30
2070 Zwijndrecht / Burcht

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY CARLOW

Ireland

Address

Kilkenny Road
41 Carlow

LIMBURGS UNIVERSITAIR CENTRUM

Belgium

Address

Wetenschapspark 1
3590 Diepenbeek

MACAULAY LAND USE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

United Kingdom

Address

Craigiebuckler
AB15 8QH Aberdeen

TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK

Denmark

Address

Building 115, Dtu
2800 Lyngby

VITO - VLAAMSE INSTELLING VOOR TECHNOLOGISCH ONDERZOEK NV

Belgium

Address

Boeretang 200
2400 Mol