CONCLUSIONS
Cd phytoextraction is apparently
a viable option of remediating Cd-laden soils. Addition of chelators such
as organic acids, EDTA and EGTA, altering soil pH, fertilizing appropriately
with NH4, K and P, adding sulfur to increase glutathione activity, investigating
mycorrhizal and microbe roles and perhaps utilizing biotechnology to increase
biomass of hyperaccumulators and/or increase accumulation in high-biomass
species are all proven methods of impoving Cd-phytoextraction. Specific
biotechnological solutions include over expressing glutathione, blocking
expresson of H+/Cd2+ antiports, increasing organic acid production, over
expressing phytochelatin synthase and increasing antioxidant activity inside
the cell.
The most practical solution currently
available for Cd-cleanup is argueably EGTA-assisted phytoextraction using
a high-biomass / high- accumulating species.
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