Courses : Forest Ecology Lecturer :Frischa Adellia Semester : 4thSemester, 2022/2023 Session Understanding Phytostabilization Phytostabilization is a method of phytoremediation which aims to reduce the mobility of heavy metals or other pollutants in the soil by using plants as stabilizing agents. This process is carried out by planting certain plants that have the ability to hold or bind these pollutants, thereby preventing them from spreading into the surrounding environment. In phytostabilization, the selected plants usually have strong and deep roots, so they are able to penetrate polluted soil layers to absorb heavy metals or other pollutants. These plants then bind these pollutants in their root tissue or deposit pollutants around their roots, thereby reducing their mobility. The phytostabilization process is different from phytoextraction, where the plants used in phytoextraction are intended to absorb pollutants from the soil to then be taken up and disposed of, while in phytostabilization, the plants act as retaining pollutants in place. The advantages of phytostabilization include: 1. Prevention of environmental pollution: By reducing the mobility of pollutants in the soil, phytostabilization helps prevent pollutants from spreading into the surrounding environment, such as groundwater or surface water. 2. Use of local plants: This process can use local plants that are resistant to existing environmental conditions, making it easier to apply in various locations. 3. Soil conservation: Plants planted in the phytostabilization process can help maintain soil quality by preventing erosion and improving soil structure. However, phytostabilization also has several limitations, including the need for a fairly long time to achieve significant effects, especially for pollutants that have accumulated in the soil over a long period of time. Therefore, phytostabilization is often used together with phytoextraction methods or other remediation methods to achieve optimal results in overcoming soil pollution problems. The main function of phytostabilization is to reduce the mobility of heavy metals or other pollutants in the soil and prevent them from spreading into the surrounding environment. Some key functions of phytostabilization include: 1. Prevention of environmental pollution : One of the main functions of phytostabilization is to prevent pollutants trapped in the soil, such as heavy metals, from spreading into the surrounding environment. This helps protect the quality of groundwater, surface water, and living organisms that can be affected by the pollution. 2. Soil stabilization: Plants used in phytostabilization can help in maintaining soil stability and structure. Growing plant roots can stimulate the formation of soil aggregates, thereby reducing soil erosion and increasing resistance to erosion by water or wind. 3. Conservation of natural resources : By improving soil quality and preventing environmental pollution, phytostabilization can also play a role in the conservation of natural resources. Healthy and unpolluted soil supports environmental sustainability and land productivity for agricultural or other purposes. 4. Reduced health risks : By reducing exposure to heavy metals or other pollutants, phytostabilization can also reduce health risks for humans and animals that may be affected by environmental pollution. 5. Provide living habitat: Plants planted in the phytostabilization process can also provide habitat for various living organisms in the soil, such as soil microbes, earthworms and insects, thereby increasing biodiversity in the environment. Thus, phytostabilization has an important role in managing soil pollution and maintaining environmental sustainability, by providing broad benefits for ecosystems and humans. In conclusion, phytostabilization is a phytoremediation method which aims to reduce the mobility of heavy metals or other pollutants in the soil by using plants as stabilizing agents. Some important points that can be concluded about phytostabilization are: 1. Prevention of environmental pollution: Phytostabilization plays a role in preventing pollutants trapped in the soil, such as heavy metals, from spreading to the surrounding environment, such as ground water and surface water. 2. Soil stabilization: Plants used in phytostabilization help maintain soil stability and structure by stimulating the formation of soil aggregates, thereby reducing the risk of erosion and soil loss. 3. Conservation of natural resources: By improving soil quality and preventing environmental pollution, phytostabilization also contributes to the conservation of natural resources and maintaining environmental sustainability. 4. Reduced health risks : Through reducing exposure to pollutants, phytostabilization can also reduce health risks for humans and animals that may be affected by environmental pollution. 5. Providing living habitat: Plants planted in the phytostabilization process also play a role in providing habitat for various living organisms in the soil, thereby increasing biodiversity in the environment. Thus, phytostabilization has an important role in managing soil pollution and maintaining environmental sustainability, by providing broad benefits for the ecosystem and human welfare. Therefore, the application of phytostabilization is a relevant strategy in an effort to minimize the impact of environmental pollution.