0086768 Ma The objective of this research is to explore the utility of a fern in the Pteris genus for arsenic phytoremediation. The pytoremediation process involves transferring the arsenic from contaminated soils to plant tissue. The plants can be periodically removed and disposed of in a low impact manner and arsenic removal will, in turn, restore the site for productive uses. This fern is singular in its high ablity to remove arsenic from surrounding soil. Additionally, high sunlight tolerance has been exhibited which bodes well for its use for phytoremediation in a wide array of field situations. In addition to the field trials where arsenic removal from soils will be studied, the work includes exploring the efficacy of using a patented gasification technology for the disposal of the arsenic-rich, plant biomass. The bulk of the plant mass will be gasified leaving a small volume of ash and arsenic for ultimate disposal. This grant is made pursuant to Solicitation NSF 00-49, New Technologies for the Environment.***
