PHYTAC: Development of systems to improve phytoremediation of metal contaminated soils through improved phytoaccumulation

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 01.0304

Key words (English)

Biotechnology; Environmental Protection; Innovation; Technology Transfer; Life Sciences; Medicine; Health; Waste Management

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: QLK3-CT-2001-00429

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.1.3 The 'cell factory'

Short description (English)

See abstract

Abstract (English)

The widespread moderate levels of metal pollution, clearly above European standards, have led to limitations in land use, and soil remediation is needed. Phytoremediation, the use of plants for cleaning metal-polluted soils, is of low cost, environmentally sound and equally protective of human health and the environment, and should be considered a good alternative to current techniques. Natural plants have serious limitations. The present state of knowledge on the mechanisms of metal tolerance, uptake and accumulation is limited and does not allow construction of designer plants for remediation. Metal-responsive genes will be characterized (functional genomics) from metal-hyperaccumulating Thlaspi and expressed in yeast, Arabidopsis and higher biomass producing tobacco and Brassica. Endophytes and rhizosphere microorganisms will be isolated, modified and tested, in combination with the plant, for improved metal accumulation. GM and non-GM approaches will be compared in laboratory and greenhouse studies. Risk assessment of the approach will form a central core of the studies. The goal is to develop systems for improved phytoaccumulation of metals.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 01.0304