While preparing a presentation on environmental biotechnology, a student took the following notes:
* Phytoremediation is a method that uses plants to remove, transfer, or stabilize contaminants in soil and water.
* The term was coined in 1991 by plant biologist Ilya Raskin.
* It is a type of bioremediation, which uses living organisms to clean up polluted environments.
* Certain plants, like Indian mustard, are used because they accumulate high levels of toxic metals.
* Traditional cleanup techniques, like landfilling or soil excavation, are often much more expensive.
The student wants to provide a definition of phytoremediation. Which choice most effectively uses information from the given notes to accomplish this goal?
- ACoined by plant biologist Ilya Raskin in 1991, phytoremediation is a technique that is less expensive than traditional soil excavation.
- Phytoremediation is a bioremediation method that utilizes plants to clean up contaminated soil and water.Answer
- CUnlike traditional cleanup techniques like excavation, phytoremediation utilizes specific species such as Indian mustard to target toxic metals.
- DBioremediation, which includes phytoremediation, is an environmental cleanup method that relies on living organisms rather than excavation.
Answer
Phytoremediation is a bioremediation method that utilizes plants to clean up contaminated soil and water.
The correct option effectively defines the term by synthesizing the notes to state that phytoremediation is a bioremediation method using plants to clean up contaminated soil and water. This directly and concisely defines the process as requested.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Rhetorical Synthesis: Introduction and Definition