Journal article
The role of root exuded low molecular weight organic anions in facilitating petroleum hydrocarbon degradation: Current knowledge and future directions
Science of The Total Environment, Vol.472, pp.642-653
2014
Abstract
Rhizoremediation is a bioremediation technique whereby enhanced microbial degradation of organic contaminants occurs within the plant root zone (rhizosphere). It is considered an effective and affordable ‘green technology’ for remediating soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs). This paper critically reviews the potential role of root exuded compounds in rhizoremediation, with emphasis on commonly exuded low molecular weight aliphatic organic acid anions (carboxylates). The extent to which remediation is achieved shows wide disparity among plant species. Therefore, plant selection is crucial for the advancement and widespread adoption of this technology. Root exudation is speculated to be one of the predominant factors leading to microbial changes in the rhizosphere and thus the potential driver behind enhanced petroleum biodegradation. Carboxylates can form a significant component of the root exudate mixture and are hypothesised to enhance petroleum biodegradation by: i) providing an easily degradable energy source; ii) increasing phosphorus supply; and/or iii) enhancing the contaminant bioavailability. These differing hypotheses, which are not mutually exclusive, require further investigation to progress our understanding of plant–microbe interactions with the aim to improve plant species selection and the efficacy of rhizoremediation.
Details
- Title
- The role of root exuded low molecular weight organic anions in facilitating petroleum hydrocarbon degradation: Current knowledge and future directions
- Authors/Creators
- B.C. Martin (Author/Creator) - The University of Western AustraliaS.J. George (Author/Creator) - The University of Western AustraliaC.A. Price (Author/Creator) - The University of Western AustraliaM.H. Ryan (Author/Creator) - The University of Western AustraliaM. Tibbett (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
- Publication Details
- Science of The Total Environment, Vol.472, pp.642-653
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Identifiers
- 991005544236507891
- Copyright
- © 2013 Elsevier B.V.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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InCites Highlights
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.83 Bioengineering
- 3.83.323 Bioremediation
- Web Of Science research areas
- Environmental Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Environment/Ecology