Sunflower, rapeseed and willow: the Ministry of Emergency Situations told how plants help clean radioactive land

The Ministry of Emergency Situations told about phytoremediation - a method of cleaning soil and groundwater with the help of plants. Details correspondent sb.by reported in the press service of the Ministry.

Phytoremediation is an integrated method of environmental purification based on the ability of plants to extract, concentrate and bind xenobiotics and radionuclides from soil and groundwater. In the conditions of elimination of consequences of radiation accidents, this method is considered as a cost-effective and environmentally safe alternative to mechanical removal of the top layer of soil.

- For the method to work, you need to choose the right plants, the Emergencies Ministry stressed. Different species absorb specific radioactive elements differently. So, sunflower accumulates cesium-137 in roots and strontium-90 in stems and leaves. The effectiveness of the method was proved by experiments in the zone of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Rapse sowing has a high resistance to toxic environment and actively absorbs mobile radionuclides. Willow is used on the banks of contaminated water bodies, as the tree intensively evaporates moisture, blocking the advance of radioactive groundwater.

The department explained that the key condition for the successful implementation of the method is strict compliance with the harvesting regulations. Plants act as temporary reservoirs for radioactive elements. Upon reaching the maximum level of accumulation, everything is subject to mandatory mowing and disposal at special landfills as hazardous waste.

Also, the press service added that the planting of wood shrub or grassy vegetation is not able to reduce the level of external gamma radiation or create a shielding barrier to protect humans. The method of phytoremediation works exclusively to clean the upper layer of soil with local pollution and prevent further spread of radioactive substances by wind or water. Ecotourism without damage to nature: we learned how specially protected areas are managed in Belarus