Reader response Following is a question Initiatives received from a reader.
Question:	Phytoremediation initiatives? Any info? We are familiar with numerous firms in this area and believe it has potential. George Boyajian Round Table Partners Gladwyne, Pennsylvania
Answer:	The U.S. Department of Energy's subsurface contaminants focus area is investigating phytoremediation, which is the use of certain plants to remove contaminants from soil and water and store the contaminants in the plants' biomass, i.e., the plants' roots, stalks, and leaves. SCFA is examining phytoremediation through its Biomass Remediation System, which seeks to improve contaminant mass transfer to plants. BRS task work is directed toward removing uranium, strontium, cesium, and heavy metals from soils and ground water at specific DOE sites. Phytoremediation may prove a relatively inexpensive and low-risk method to remediate widespread, low-level contamination by heavy metals and radionuclides. SCFA is examining two methods of contaminant removal via phytoremediation. For cleanup of soils, contamination transfer to aboveground plant biomass (leaf and stalk) is used. For removing contaminants from water, SCFA is investigating rhizofiltration, which is the concentration of contaminants in root biomass. The U.S. Department of Agriculture through its Agricultural Research Service Plant Soils and Nutrition Laboratory in Ithaca, New York and MSE Technology Applications of Butte, Montana are collaborators on this project. In fiscal year 1995, MSE subcontracted with Phytotech of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey to conduct pilot-scale testing and demonstration of phytoremediation at DOE sites for removing metals and radionuclide contaminants. Field tests have been conducted to evaluate metals and radionuclide uptake at two DOE sites (Idaho National Engineering Laboratory-Test Area North and RMI Ashtabula, Ohio) and at a heavy metals Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act site (Silver Bow Creek, Montana). Work is directed toward improving removal rates, developing sound economic data, and performing field demonstration tests at DOE sites. These activities will contribute toward the design of full-scale commercial systems. More information about the Biomass Remediation System can be found beginning on page 124 of the Subsurface Contaminants Focus Area Technology Summary (a Rainbow Book). Internet access to DOE's Office of Science and Technology publications is available at http://em-50.em.doe.gov.