Abstract: A process for removal of metal ions from soil and methods for effecting such removal are described. The process is based on manipulating the growth of crop and crop-related members of the plant family Brassicaceae in metal-containing soils so that the metal in the soils is made more available to the plants. These particular plants will absorb metals into their roots making the metals non-leachable from the soils or will absorb the metal into their roots and transfer them to the shoots and/or roots which can be easily harvested.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for remediating soil contaminated with Cr(VI) by reducing the Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in the soil. The method involves contacting the contaminated soil with a plant that accomplishes the reduction. Removal of the plant from the environment is not required; in fact, preferred embodiments of the invention involve plowing the plant back into the soil environment and replanting the soil.

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: A process for removal of metal ions from soil and methods for effecting such removal are described. The process is based on manipulating the growth of crop and crop-related members of the plant family Brassicaceae in metal-containing soils so that the metal in the soils is made more available to the plants. These particular plants will absorb metals into their roots making the metals non-leachable from the soils or will absorb the metal into their roots and transfer them to the shoots and/or roots which can be easily harvested.

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.