1. Industrial and residential areas lead to
pollutants leaching into the surrounding
environment. The management of this is
important, as contaminants such as
heavy metals (e.g. arsenic, lead, zinc and
cadmium) in high concentrations can
impact ecosystems, biodiversity and
human health. Plants can be used as a
slow but effective remediation strategy
with added benefits.
REMEDIATING WITH PLANTS
R
ecobb
le
C
hernob
yl
Extract and stablise metal
contaminants.
Provide flood protection, new
habitats & recreational areas.
Example species include
poplar and willow.
TREES
Reduce contaminant transport
into groundwater sources.
Can be converted into biofuels
and other useful products.
Sutiable crops include
barley, maize, potatoes
& sunflowers.
CROPS
Erosion control, water
storage and new habi-
tat formation.
Reed beds & marshes.
WETLANDS
Filter and store metals
reducing contaminant
dispersion.
To learn more about contaminant management strategies using
plants and other benefits that they provide, visit
https://www.greenland-project.eu