Phytoremediation of Water and Soils Contaminated by Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Abstract

The  production,  transport,  storage,  and  commercialization  of  petroleum  hydrocarbons  with  their  derivatives  have become an environmental problem as a result of the large fuel spills frequently generated over the years. The  contaminating  potential  and  the  complex  composition  of  hydrocarbons  and  its  derivates,on  top  of  their  easiness  of  mobilization  in  the  environment  and  their  accumulation  in  water  and  soils,  have  increase  the  scientific interest in orderto find a solution to reduce their effect on the ecosystems. Therefore, researchers worldwide  have  focused  on  evaluating  phytoremediation  as  a  solution  in  view  of  its  cost-effectiveness  and  landscaping contribution because it can be used to bioremediatewater and soils mixed with fuels, minimizing the risk of pollution. This review article summarizes the principles related to phytoremediation of soils and water contaminated with hydrocarbons as an ecotechnological alternative that can be applied through the interactions between microorganism, plants and physical, chemical and biological processes that occur in natural systems like the wetlands. This paper also discusses some experiences about the subject, factors related and removal mechanisms that command the removal of the organic compounds.