Courses : Forest Ecology Lecturer :Frischa Adellia Semester : 4thSemester, 2022/2023 Session Definition of Phytovolatilization Phytovolatilization is a phytoremediation technique in which plants are used to volatilize or evaporate heavy metals or certain organic compounds from soil or water through the process of transpiration or evaporation from plant tissue. In this process, plants take up heavy metals or organic compounds from the soil through their roots, then send them to the top of the plant, and are finally released into the air as gases. The phytovolatilization process usually occurs in heavy metals such as mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As), as well as certain organic compounds such as chlororganic compounds. Plants used in phytovolatilization generally have the ability to accumulate these metals or organic compounds in their tissues and excrete them through stomata or leaf surfaces during the transpiration process. This phytovolatilization technique has the potential to reduce levels of heavy metals or organic compounds in soil, thereby reducing the risk of environmental pollution and exposure to living organisms. However, it should be remembered that phytovolatilization can also cause heavy metals or organic compounds to be released into the atmosphere, which can cause air pollution problems around the remediation site. In practice, phytovolatilization is often used as part of a broader remediation strategy, which may also include other techniques such as phytoextraction (removal of metals from soil through accumulation in plant tissue) or phytostabilization (reducing the mobility of metals in soil). Appropriate plant selection and careful monitoring of environmental conditions are necessary to ensure the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of phytovolatilization techniques. In the context of phytovolatilization, there are several factors to consider: 1. Plant selection: Plants used in phytovolatilization must have the ability to accumulate heavy metals or organic compounds in their tissues without becoming toxic or impaired growth. Plants with extensive root systems and lush leaves are usually more effective at evaporating heavy metals. 2. Type of metal or organic compound: Phytovolatilization is more effective for some types of heavy metals or organic compounds than others. For example, mercury and cadmium tend to be more easily volatilized by plants than other heavy metals such as lead or arsenic. 3. Environmental conditions: Factors such as temperature, air humidity, and wind speed can influence the level of phytovolatilization. Favorable environmental conditions such as warm temperatures and high humidity can increase the rate of evaporation of heavy metals or organic compounds from plants. 4. Monitoring and evaluation: It is important to continuously monitor the concentration of heavy metals or organic compounds in the soil, water and air around the phytovolatilization site. This is necessary to ensure that this process does not cause increased air or water pollution in the surrounding environment. 5. Potential environmental impacts: Although phytovolatilization can reduce levels of heavy metals or organic compounds in the soil, it can cause increased air pollution around the remediation site. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the potential environmental impacts of phytovolatilization and take appropriate preventive measures. By taking into account all these factors, phytovolatilization can be an effective approach in reducing levels of heavy metals or organic compounds in soil and the surrounding environment. However, it needs to be done carefully and considered thoroughly in the context of the broader remediation solution. In conclusion, phytovolatilization is a phytoremediation technique that involves the use of plants to reduce levels of heavy metals or organic compounds in the soil by volatilizing or evaporating these compounds into the atmosphere through the process of transpiration. This technique has the potential to reduce the risk of environmental pollution and exposure to living organisms by reducing the concentration of heavy metals or organic compounds in the soil. Some important points that can be concluded about phytovolatilization are: 1. Phytovolatilization involves plants being able to accumulate heavy metals or organic compounds in their tissues and releasing them into the air through the process of transpiration. 2. Appropriate plant selection, monitoring of environmental conditions, and continuous evaluation are necessary to phytovolatilization techniques. ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of 3. Although phytovolatilization can reduce levels of heavy metals or organic compounds in the soil, it is necessary to pay attention to the potential environmental impacts such as increasing air pollution around the remediation site. 4. Phytovolatilization can be an important component in a broader remediation strategy to address heavy metal or organic compound pollution in the environment. By considering all relevant factors and taking appropriate preventive measures, phytovolatilization can be an effective approach in managing environmental pollution and improving overall environmental quality.