Microbial Degradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminants: An Overview

Table 4

Advantages and disadvantages of phytoremediation over traditional technologies.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Relatively low cost	Longer remediation times
Easily implemented and maintained	Climate dependent
Several mechanisms for removal	Effects to food web might be unknown
Environmentally friendly	Ultimate contaminant fates might be unknown
Aesthetically pleasing	Results are variable
Reduces landfilled wastes
Harvestable plant material