phytoremediation

American  

[fahy-toh-ri-mee-dee-ey-shuhn] / ˌfaɪ toʊ rɪˌmi diˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. a process of decontaminating soil or water by using plants and trees to absorb or break down pollutants.

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phytoremediation British  

/ ˌfaɪtəʊrɪˌmiːdɪˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. another name for bioremediation

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phytoremediation Scientific  

/ fī′tō-rĭ-mē′dē-ā′shən /

1. See under bioremediation

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Example Sentences

In the spring of 2023, they used a technique called phytoremediation by growing plants such as sunflowers and corn, which studies have shown will pull toxins from the soil.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2025

Research has shown that certain plants such as yarrow, mugwort and sunflowers can draw heavy metals and other contaminants from the soil in a process known as phytoremediation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2025

The poplars are part of a wave of advances in phytoremediation, the process of using plants to clean up toxic soil or water.

From New York Times • Apr. 7, 2020

In a climate that many including myself view as under siege, hemp restores nutrients to the soil via phytoremediation and does not require chemical pesticides or herbicides.

From Forbes • Apr. 20, 2015

Because hemp has these really incredible phytoremediation, or soil-restoring qualities.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2014