Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing edible plant tissue biomasses suitable for use as nutritional supplements. The seedlings are exposed to at least one metal and normal seedling growth is interrupted prior to the eleventh day following germination to thereby produce a metal-enriched plant seedling tissue biomass. The metal-containing edible plant tissue biomasses are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods by which hyperaccumulation of metals in plant shoots is induced by exposure to inducing agents. Hyperaccumulation occurs as part of a two-step process in which metals are first accumulated into plant roots; subsequent transport to plant shoots is induced by exposure to the agent. In preferred embodiments, manipulations that increase availability of metals to the plant are employed prior to application of the inducing agent. Effective inducing agents include conditions of low pH, chelators, herbicides, and high levels of heavy metals. Other phytotoxic agents are also useful. Application of multiple inducing agents results in synergistic effects.

Abstract: A process for the removal of metal ions from solution and means for effecting such removal are described. The process is based on the hydroponic growth of sunflowers, terrestrial turfgrasses and/or members of the family Brassicaceae in solutions containing one or more metal ions. Metal ions can be efficiently removed from solutions by passing these solutions through the root biomass of these terrestrial plants. Receptacles containing the plants are also part of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and systems for alleviating the environmental and health hazards associated with environmental contamination by metals are provided. Contained living or non-viable biomasses of metal-accumulating plant seedlings deplete the metal elements and compounds in metal-containing aqueous solutions. Concomitantly, the contained biomasses of plant seedlings accumulate the metal elements and compounds. The energy and nutrient stores of the seeds from which the seedlings develop are exploited to minimize the costs of remediating the metal-containing aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for alleviating the environmental and health hazards associated with environmental contamination by metals are provided. Contained living or non-viable biomasses of metal-accumulating plant seedlings deplete the metal elements and compounds in metal-containing aqueous solutions. Concomitantly, the contained biomasses of plant seedlings accumulate the metal elements and compounds. The energy and nutrient stores of the seeds from which the seedlings develop are exploited to minimize the costs of remediating the metal-containing aqueous solutions.

Abstract: A process for the removal of metal ions from solution and means for effecting such removal are described. The process is based on the hydroponic growth of sunflowers, terrestrial turfgrasses and/or members of the family Brassicaceae in solutions containing one or more metal ions. Metal ions can be efficiently removed from solutions by passing these solutions through the root biomass of these terrestrial plants. Columns containing the root biomass are also part of the invention.

Abstract: A process for removal of metal ions from soil and methods for effecting such removal are described. The process is based on the growth of crop and crop-related members of the plant family Brassicaceae in metal-containing soils. These particular plants will absorb metals into their roots making them not leachable from the soils or will absorb the metal into their roots and transfer them to the shoots which can be easily harvested.