Courses : Forest Ecology Lecturer :Frischa Adellia Semester : 4thSemester, 2022/2023 Session Definition of Phytochain Phytoremediation is a phytoremediation method that uses plants to absorb and accumulate pollutants from the environment, especially from water or dissolved solutions. In the phytochain process, plants are placed in contaminated water or a solution containing pollutants, and then the plants absorb these pollutants through their roots. The phytochain process involves interactions between plant roots and pollutants dissolved in water. Plant roots have a structure that allows them to absorb water and the substances dissolved in it. When plants grow in an environment that contains pollutants, the plant roots will absorb the pollutants along with the water they take from the surrounding environment. Pollutants absorbed by plants can be various types of organic or inorganic compounds, such as heavy metals, pesticides, or other organic compounds. After being absorbed by plants, these pollutants will accumulate in plant tissues, especially in the roots, stems and leaves. The advantage of the phytochain is its ability to clean polluted water in a natural and environmentally friendly way. Plants used in phytochains can grow relatively easily and can be adapted to various types of polluted water environments. Apart from that, this process can also reduce the concentration of pollutants in the water gradually over time. However, the success of phytochains depends on several factors, including the type of plants used, the concentration level of pollutants in the water, environmental conditions, and other factors. Therefore, proper plant selection and careful monitoring of phytochain processes are essential to achieve optimal effectiveness in cleaning polluted water. In continuing the explanation of phytochains, some important points that can be included are: 1. Plant selection: Proper selection of plants is very important in phytochains. Some plants have a better ability to absorb and accumulate certain types of pollutants. For example, some plants such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) or water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) are known to be effective in absorbing heavy metals from water, while other plants such as taro (Colocasia esculenta) are able to absorb certain organic compounds. 2. Monitoring and monitoring : It is important to continuously monitor plant conditions and water quality throughout the phytochain process. Careful monitoring can help in assessing the effectiveness of plants in absorbing pollutants as well as identifying changes in environmental conditions that may affect phytochain processes. 3. Role of microbes: Apart from plants, microbes that live in the rhizosphere can also play a role in the phytochain process by helping to degrade pollutants absorbed by plants. Interactions between plants and microbes can increase the efficiency of phytochain processes and accelerate the removal of pollutants from the environment. 4. Waste management: After plants have absorbed pollutants from the water, the next step is to manage the contaminated plant biomass. This contaminated plant waste must be managed properly to prevent further pollution. Waste management options include composting, controlled burning, or processing with other techniques. 5. System development: Phytochain can be applied on various scales, from household scale to industrial scale. Developing an effective and sustainable phytochain system can involve designing the system to suit the environmental context and local needs, including plant selection, water storage system design, and waste management. By considering these factors, phytochains can be an effective method of cleaning polluted water in a natural and environmentally friendly way. In the context of increasingly important water resource management, phytochains can be a valuable tool in maintaining water quality and environmental sustainability. In conclusion, phytorchain is a phytoremediation method that uses plants to absorb and accumulate pollutants from water or dissolved solutions in the environment. Some important points that can be concluded about the phytochain are: 1. Environmental cleaning: The main function of phytochains is to clean polluted water from pollutants by using plants as biological agents to absorb these pollutants. 2. Plant absorption ability: Plants used in phytochains have the ability to absorb pollutants from water through their roots. Some types of plants have a better ability to absorb certain types of pollutants, so selecting the right plants is very important in increasing the effectiveness of the phytorchain. 3. Restoration of water quality: By reducing the concentration of pollutants in water, phytochains help in restoring water quality and maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. 4. Use of local plants: Phytorantai can use local plants that grow in the surrounding environment, so that they can be well adapted to various types of polluted water environments. 5. Waste management: Management of contaminated plant waste after the phytochain process is an important aspect in maintaining environmental sustainability. Plant waste must be managed properly to prevent further pollution. 6. Role of microbes: Interactions between plants and microbes in the rhizosphere can also increase the effectiveness of the phytochain by helping in degrading pollutants absorbed by plants. Thus, phytochains are a promising method for cleaning polluted water in a natural and environmentally friendly way, and have the potential to be used in efforts to maintain environmental sustainability.