Rhizospheric remediation of organic pollutants from the soil; a green and sustainable technology for soil clean up

Abstract During past few decades, the technological revolution has brought about the new technologies for water and soil remediation from various contaminants. Researches during this period focused on methods of cleanup which are inexpensive, sustainable, energy-efficient, and less complicated technology to remove organic contaminants from soil. Among various technologies for remediation of organic contaminants from the soil, rhizoremediation has been proven efficient and capable technology for the same. Rhizoremediation is a specific type of phytoremediation which involves the application of plant root and their associated rhizospheric microbes for the treatment of pollutants from the soil. The soil microflora can be contaminant degraders or can promote plant growth under stress conditions that promote the degradation of organic pollutants from the soil. Plant–microbe interaction plays very important role in removing contaminants from the soil. This chapter is focused on the potential and challenges of rhizoremediation of organic pollutants from the soils.