Current Status of and Challenges for Phytoremediation as a Sustainable Environmental Management Plan for Abandoned Mine Areas in Korea

Sang-Hwan Lee, Hyun Park () and Jeong-Gyu Kim ()
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Sang-Hwan Lee: Technical Research Institute, Mine Reclamation Corporation, Wonju 26464, Republic of Korea
Hyun Park: Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
Jeong-Gyu Kim: Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: Since conventional ecological remediation technologies are often unreliable and inefficient, the use of phytoremediation, which uses plants to restore damaged or polluted environments, has been actively developed. In particular, phytoremediation for the management of abandoned mines has gained public acceptance due to its aesthetic advantages, environmental friendliness, use of solar energy, and low remediation costs. In this article, we review the current status of the phytoremediation of abandoned mines in Korea and the challenges that are faced. The technical and policy challenges that need to be overcome for the successful application of phytoremediation in Korea are discussed, along with its potential for use in sustainable ecosystem management. To fully deploy phytoremediation technology in old mining areas, further basic and applied research are required.

Keywords: phytoremediation; reclamation; mining area; soil; sustainable remediation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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