Many of the earth’s natural resources are subjected to heavy pollution, posing a major problem worldwide. When looking at potential solutions to these issues, it is necessary to choose methods that do not further damage the environment and instead choose ecological approaches to cleaning the earth.
Dr. Rishi Gupta (University of Victoria)’s Low Impact Development (LID) technique involves planting genetically modified poplar trees to remediate heavily contaminated soil in formerly industrial areas. The site chosen in India for demonstration is polluted with heavy metals. The LID innovative system would provide an opportunity to remediate the polluted site, improving quality of life and bringing about a greener environment and public awareness of water quality.
The system involves rhizofiltration and phytoremediation methods for removing metals and other pollutants with the genetically modified tree species and locally manufactured porous infrastructure using industrial waste, referred to as Geopolymer pavers.
Research Team
Dr. Rishi Gupta, University of Victoria, Canada
Dr. Neeta Raj Sharma, Lovely Professional University, India
