Pollution Solutions: Maximizing the Cleaning Power of Trees

Abstract

It is hard to imagine the vast expanse of the Great Lakes being anything but pristine, yet trouble roils just beneath the surface. The Great Lakes contain roughly 90 percent of the surface freshwater supply in the United States - and 20 percent of the world's freshwater supply. In recent years, increases in the use of electronics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products has led to an increase in the pollutants that are pumped into the environment every day. Left unchecked, these pollutants can dramatically alter the future of the Great Lakes. Northern Research Station scientists and partners are leading research on phytotechnologies - technologies that use trees to solve environmental problems. The work of this team to establish standardized, customizable approaches is setting a new standard for tailoring the phytoremediation process to the needs of communities here in the Great Lakes, and anywhere in the world.

Citation

USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 2022. Pollution Solutions: Maximizing the Cleaning Power of Trees. Rooted in Research. Issue 10, June 2022. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 2p.