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Questions and Answers: 2022

Question: Hi! I live in zone 5a. I'm interested in phytoremediation. I have an old house that likely has lead paint …

• Question

  Hi! I live in zone 5a. I'm interested in phytoremediation. I have an old house that likely has lead paint and contaminants in the backyard soil. I've heard that sunflowers and other plants may help remove toxins and heavy metals in the soil. I'd like a list of some plants that may help with this purpose. P.S. I hope to pay for a soil test soon and in the meanwhile don't plan to use these beds for edibles - I have raised beds away from the house in the back!

  Answer

  Dear miniorchard, good afternoon. I am not a phytoremediation specialist, but you might enjoy some reading to get a background of why certain plants work for this trait and others don't" https://www.drdarrinlew.us/metal-contaminated/characteristics-of-plants-used-for-phytoremediation-of-heavy-metals.html. Here is a brief list of plants used for such purposes: https://healthguidenet.com/foods/plants-used-in-phytoremediation/. Keep in mind that once the plants remove the heavy metals from the soil, they are now the storehouses for these toxins (i.e., the metals aren't gone, the plants need to be harvested and removed to a safe location). Best wishes.