Courses : Forest Ecology Lecturer :Frischa Adellia Semester : 4thSemester, 2022/2023 Session Definition of Phytostabilization Phytostabilization is a phytoremediation technique that aims to reduce the mobility of heavy metals in soil or groundwater by using plants to bind heavy metals and prevent them from accumulating in the environment. In this process, plants that are resistant to heavy metals are planted in contaminated areas with the aim of stabilizing the heavy metals in the soil so that they cannot enter the food chain or pollute groundwater. Plants used in phytostabilization usually have certain properties that allow them to retain heavy metals in their tissues or reduce the mobility of heavy metals in the soil. For example, some plants have the ability to accumulate heavy metals in their roots without harming their growth or metabolism. This phytostabilization technique is often used in areas contaminated with heavy metals, such as ex-mining areas or contaminated industrial land. By using plants as a means of binding heavy metals in the soil, phytostabilization helps reduce the risk of heavy metal exposure to living organisms and limits the transfer of heavy metals to groundwater or other environments. Although phytostabilization can be an effective solution in managing heavy metal pollution, its success depends on selecting appropriate plants and the right environmental conditions. Apart from that, it is also necessary to continuously monitor environmental conditions and the plants used to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability in the long term. Apart from plants which have the natural ability to bind heavy metals, phytostabilization can also use soil modification techniques or the addition of organic matter to increase the soil's absorption capacity for heavy metals. For example, adding organic material such as compost or biochar can increase the organic material content in the soil, thereby reducing the availability of heavy metals to be taken up by plants or absorbed into groundwater. Phytostabilization is usually used as part of a broader remediation strategy, which may also include other techniques such as phytoextraction (removal of heavy metals from soil through accumulation in plant tissue), phytovolatilization (evaporation of heavy metals by plants), or bioaugmentation (addition of heavy metal-degrading microorganisms into the ground). The advantage of phytostabilization is that this technique is relatively cheap and can be implemented relatively easily, especially if the plants used are local plants that already grow naturally in polluted areas. In addition, phytostabilization also has a lower environmental impact compared to remediation techniques that involve the use of chemicals or complex technology. However, phytostabilization also has several limitations, including the time required to see significant results, especially for heavy pollution, as well as limitations in terms of the types of plants that can be used depending on local environmental conditions and the type of heavy metals contaminated. As an example of phytostabilization, consider a field contaminated with heavy metals such as lead (Pb) originating from industrial waste. To reduce the mobility of lead in soil and prevent it from contaminating groundwater, phytostabilization techniques can be applied. As a first step, plants that are resistant to heavy metals, such as bunch grass (Festuca arundinacea) or garden-grass (Thlaspi caerulescens), can be planted in polluted areas. These plants have the natural ability to accumulate lead in their root tissues without experiencing toxicity or growth impairment. In addition, organic materials such as compost can also be added to the soil to increase the soil's absorption capacity for lead. Compost contains organic materials that can bind heavy metals in the soil, thereby reducing their availability for uptake by plants or into groundwater. By continuously applying this phytostabilization technique, both by monitoring soil and plant conditions and carrying out necessary maintenance, the mobility of lead in the soil can be significantly reduced. This will reduce the risk of lead exposure to living organisms and prevent further contamination of the surrounding environment. In the long term, the application of phytostabilization can help restore soil and environmental quality, thereby creating a healthier and more sustainable environment. Thus, phytostabilization is an option that can be considered in an effort to manage heavy metal pollution in soil, especially in areas that are difficult to access or difficult to treat with other remediation techniques. However, it needs to be considered carefully in the context of broader remediation solutions and tailored to local environmental conditions. In conclusion, phytostabilization is a phytoremediation technique that uses plants to reduce the mobility of heavy metals in soil or groundwater. By planting plants that are resistant to heavy metals and/or adding organic matter to the soil, phytostabilization aims to bind heavy metals in the soil and prevent them from polluting the environment. Some important points that can be concluded about phytostabilization are: 1. Phytostabilization is a relatively cheap and environmentally friendly solution for managing heavy metal pollution in soil. 2. Plants used in phytostabilization have the natural ability to accumulate heavy metals in their root tissues without experiencing toxicity. 3. The addition of organic materials such as compost can increase the soil's absorption capacity for heavy metals, thereby reducing their availability for uptake by plants or into groundwater. 4. Phytostabilization can help reduce the risk of heavy metal exposure for living organisms and prevent further pollution of the surrounding environment. 5. The application of phytostabilization requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term effectiveness. By considering the capabilities and limitations of phytostabilization techniques, as well as local environmental conditions, phytostabilization can be an important component in remediation strategies to overcome heavy metal pollution in soil and improve overall environmental quality.