Plant and Animal Genome XXV Conference

January 13 - 18, 2017

4306

The Phytoremediation Genome

Phytoremediation is the process by which various naturally occurring or genetically modified plants, including trees and grasses, are used to degrade, extract, detoxify, contain, and/or immobilize toxic pollutants from contaminated soil, water, and air. The potential economic benefits of using plants for remediation are impressive. Plants provide a robust, solar powered system that has little or no maintenance requirements. With their copious root systems, plants can scavenge large areas and volumes of soils, removing the toxic chemical. For phytoremediation to be a viable technology, dramatic improvements in plant biomass yield and ability to remove contaminants is required. The introduction of novel traits by transgenic approaches is a promising strategy for the development of effective phytoremediation technologies. The vast majority of plant genes affecting the remediation of toxic elements and organics have not yet been identified. Identification of these genes is vital to the success of the transgenic phytoremediation approaches. This workshop will bring together scientists from academic and industrial institutions working in the field of phytoremediation to share their latest discoveries and results with focus on the advances in the understanding of the phytoremediation genome.