Rhizodegradation

Rhizodegradation, also known as phyto-stimulation, is the degradation of contaminants in the rhizosphere (area of soil surrounding the roots of the plants) by means of microbial activity which is enhanced by the presence of plant roots.

Microorganisms such as yeast, fungi or bacteria consume these contaminants as their source of energy and nutrition. In this process of biodegradation, certain microorganisms are capable of breaking down hazardous pollutants such as fuels or solvent into nontoxic and harmless product. Biodegradation is aided by plants. Plants released natural carbon containing substances such as sugar, alcohols and acid and thereby, providing the microorganisms with additional nutrients which stimulate their activity.

It is possible to develop transgenic plants with improved plant-microbe interaction. The plant would be enhanced in their ability to secrete natural substances which stimulates microbial activity.