Energy maize for phytoremediation of metal-enriched soils and production of energy; Case: the Campine region, Belgium

Abstract

Atmospheric deposition of trace metals (e.g., Cd, Zn and Pb) from metal refinery activities over the last century has caused elevated concentrations in agricultural soils in the Campine region. Regional policy therefore prescribes that the soils should be remediated, while at the same time it is desirable to keep the income of the farmers constant. Both goals can be achieved using phytoremediation in combination with the growth of energy crops and brings us to the concept of a multi-functional biomass system (Berndes et al., 2008). Phytoremediation involves the use of plants for the removal of pollutants from the environment or to render them harmless (Garbisu & Alkorta, 2001).