Phytoremediation at Robassomero
Phytoremediation is a technology that employs plants for environmental remediation projects.
At the Robassomero (Turin) site, on an area of approximately 44,000 m2, we have planted 6,210 cottonwood trees (Populus nigra) as they can act as actual organic allies by actively contributing to soil recovery.
This remediation technique leverages on some plants’ natural ability to absorb or degrade pollutants like heavy metals and hydrocarbons.
The process is based on the combined action of plants roots, that intercept contaminants, and microorganisms in soil (rhyzobacteria) that support transformation processes. Thanks to this synergy, heavy metals get assimilated and accumulated in the tree trunk, while hydrocarbons are degraded and transformed into simpler elements that contribute to the plant’s energy cycle.
The ongoing monitoring on soil, bark and leaves confirms the efficacy of the process, with a progressive reduction in contaminants bioavailability and the recovery of superficial soil, gradually restored to health and vitality.
