Contaminated lands and phytoremediation DREVO
Restoring soil, water and ecosystems using natural mechanisms
One of the most important challenges of the 21st century is the restoration of territories damaged by industry, mining, agriculture, transport, military action and improper waste management.
Phytoremediation is the use of plants, soil microorganisms, and natural ecosystem processes to restore contaminated land. However, the DREVO system views phytoremediation much more broadly: as a comprehensive strategy for the regeneration of soil, water, biodiversity, and landscape sustainability.
The main principle of DREVO:
We don't fight nature, but rather harness its own regenerative mechanisms, combining them with scientific monitoring, engineering solutions, and responsible management.
1. What is considered a contaminated area?
A contaminated area is one in which the composition of soil, water, or air has been altered to such an extent that it impairs ecological functions, limits the safe use of land, or creates a risk to human health and ecosystems.
Sources of pollution may be:
industry;
metallurgy;
mining enterprises;
oil production;
oil refining;
transport;
waste landfills;
agriculture;
livestock complexes;
chemical production;
construction waste;
fires;
military facilities;
spontaneous landfills.
2. Main types of pollution
Heavy metals
The most common are:
lead;
cadmium;
mercury;
arsenic;
chromium;
nickel;
copper;
zinc.
They can persist in the soil for decades and pass into plants to varying degrees.
Petroleum products
Includes:
oil;
diesel fuel;
petrol;
oils;
fuel oil;
resins.
Such pollution impairs gas exchange and the activity of soil biota.
Organic pollutants
For example:
pesticide residues;
solvents;
some industrial chemical compounds.
Some of them are gradually decomposed by microorganisms, but the speed of this process depends on environmental conditions.
Excess batteries
High concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus can lead to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems and disruption of the soil balance.
Salinization
Occurs as a result of:
improper irrigation;
rise of mineralized groundwater;
sea aerosol;
use of salts.
Acid and alkaline pollution
Changes in soil reaction affect nutrient availability and contaminant mobility.
Radioactive contamination
Requires specialized assessment and compliance with national safety standards.
Phytoremediation can only be used as one element of a comprehensive strategy.
3. Basic principles of recovery
Restoration begins not with planting, but with a site assessment.
Sequence of actions:
Site survey.
Identification of pollution sources.
Risk assessment.
Localization of pollution.
Selection of recovery method.
Formation of plant community.
Monitoring.
Long-term support.
4. Environmental diagnostics
Before starting work, data is collected on:
origin of pollution;
area;
depth of distribution;
soil composition;
groundwater level;
relief;
existing vegetation;
the presence of rare species;
neighboring land uses.
Laboratory tests of soil and water are carried out using accredited methods.
5. DREVO Pollution Map
For each object, a digital map is created, including:
type of pollution;
concentrations;
depth;
risk level;
dynamics of change;
results of previous examinations;
history of restoration activities.
The map is integrated into DREVO AI and DREVO Plant ID.
6. Basic recovery strategies
Phytostabilization
Plants fix pollution in the soil and reduce its spread.
Used when removal of the pollutant is impossible or not economically feasible.
Phytoextraction
Some plants are able to accumulate certain substances in their tissues.
After completion of the cycle, the biomass is collected and disposed of in accordance with current requirements.
Phytodegradation
Plants and their associated microorganisms can promote the decomposition of certain organic pollutants.
Rhizodegradation
The main role is played not by the plant itself, but by the microbial community around the roots.
Root secretions stimulate the development of microorganisms capable of destroying certain pollutants.
Phytovolatilization
Some substances can pass through the plant into the atmosphere in an altered form.
This approach requires very careful assessment of environmental impacts and is used sparingly.
Hydrophytoremediation
Aquatic and coastal plants are used to purify surface water and filtration systems.
7. Plant communities instead of monocultures
The most sustainable results are achieved by using not just one plant species, but multi-tiered communities.
These may include:
trees;
shrubs;
perennial herbs;
ground cover plants;
mushrooms;
soil microorganisms.
Such a community simultaneously:
holds the soil;
improves its structure;
increases the content of organic matter;
supports biodiversity;
reduces erosion.
8. Soil as a living system
In the DREVO system, soil is considered as a living organism.
The restoration is aimed not only at reducing the concentration of pollutants, but also at restoring functions:
organic matter cycle;
water regime;
gas exchange;
biological activity;
formation of structure.
9. The role of microorganisms
Soil bacteria and fungi are capable of:
accelerate the decomposition of some organic compounds;
participate in the transformation of elements;
increase plant resistance;
improve soil structure.
The use of microbial preparations must be scientifically justified and take into account local conditions.
10. Organic matter
The addition of organic materials helps to:
increasing the humus content;
development of soil biota;
improving the structure;
moisture retention;
reducing the mobility of some pollutants.
Used:
mature compost;
wood chips;
leaf humus;
biochar;
other safe organic materials.
11. Water management
Disturbed water regime often increases pollution.
Therefore, the following can be used simultaneously:
drainage restoration;
water-retaining elements;
biofiltration zones;
protective strips;
coastal plantings;
regulation of surface runoff.
12. Selection of plants
When choosing, the following are taken into account:
climate;
soil type;
depth of contamination;
pollution level;
root system;
growth rate;
stability;
the ability to form communities.
It is important to avoid the transfer of contaminants into the food chain.
13. Restrictions on the use of plants
If accumulation of hazardous substances in plant tissues is known or suspected:
the harvest is not used for food;
feed use is excluded;
Biomass handling is carried out in accordance with established environmental requirements.
14. Biomass after phytoremediation
Once the plants have been removed, it is necessary to determine how to handle them further.
Possible options:
safe disposal;
specialized processing;
use only after safety confirmation.
The decision is made based on an analysis of the biomass composition and current legislation.
15. Stages of territory restoration
The first stage
stopping the spread of pollution;
erosion protection;
localization of the site.
The second stage
soil improvement;
launch of biological processes;
formation of a pioneer community.
The third stage
creation of sustainable plant communities;
increasing biodiversity.
The fourth stage
long-term monitoring;
transition to full use of the territory, if it is safe.
16. Monitoring
The following are regularly assessed:
concentrations of pollutants;
condition of plants;
water quality;
soil biological activity;
biodiversity;
community resilience;
change in the area of pollution.
Monitoring is carried out according to standard protocols and is recorded in the facility’s digital passport.
17. Digital passport of the contaminated area
The passport includes:
plot identifier;
coordinates;
square;
history of use;
test results;
pollution map;
methods applied;
list of planted species;
monitoring schedule;
photographs;
expert opinions.
18. Integration with DREVO AI
DREVO AI helps:
analyze laboratory data;
build risk maps;
predict the dynamics of recovery;
select suitable plant communities;
evaluate the effectiveness of activities;
identify areas requiring re-examination.
AI is used as a decision support tool, not as a replacement for expert judgment.
19. Integration with DREVO Plant ID
Each plant participating in the restoration project receives a link to:
landing site;
type of pollution;
planting date;
results of observations;
health condition;
function in the plant community.
This allows us to analyze the effectiveness of different species under different conditions.
20. Safety principles
Work in contaminated areas is carried out only after a risk assessment.
Necessary:
use personal protective equipment;
prevent the spread of pollution;
comply with legal requirements;
restrict access to hazardous areas;
document all work.
21. Scientific tests
Each restoration technology is field tested.
Evaluated:
changes in pollutant concentrations;
plant development;
soil restoration;
biodiversity change;
sustainability of results.
The results are used to improve the DREVO system.
22. Recovery Economy
When choosing a strategy, the following are taken into account:
cost of work;
duration of recovery;
availability of materials;
need for follow-up care;
expected environmental effect;
possible future use of the territory.
Economic efficiency is assessed together with environmental and social value.
23. DREVO Principles
First diagnosis, then action.
Use locally grown, resistant species whenever possible.
Work with plant communities, not individual plants.
Restore soil as a living system.
Prevent contamination from entering the food chain.
Document the origin of all data.
Conduct long-term monitoring.
Combine natural processes and modern technologies.
Comply with environmental safety requirements.
Consider the restoration of the territory as a multi-year process.
The final principle
Phytoremediation in the DREVO system is not just about cleaning contaminated soil. It is about restoring its ability to support life.
The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem in which soil, water, plants, microorganisms, animals and humans once again form a single, functioning natural community.