Modelling phytoremediation: concepts, models, and approaches

Abstract

In the phytoremediation modelling stage, which is specific due to unavoidable assumptions and limitations, the complicated nature of natural processes, and different qualifications of model developers result in the variety of phytoremediation-oriented models that differs in complication and the extent of applicability. The variety of phytoremediation models is not only naturally understandable, but also serves specificity of model application. In other words, the choice of a model and the need for detailed result depend on the prospects of the model use, e.g., for preliminary assessment of the phytoremediation effect, phytoremediation cost estimation or contaminant distribution among the plant compartments. This chapter discusses the prospects of application of the phytoremediation assessment tools, such as Phyto-DSS, BALANS, Dynamic factor method, and Hung and Mackay model used for simulating the contaminant transfer processes in the soil–plant–atmosphere system.