Publication . Marques, Ana P. G. C.; Caetano, Nídia; Castro, Paula M. L.
The information available in the literature on options for biofuel production from biomass derived from the phytoremediation of metal-contaminated soils is scarce; however, the existing studies have reported a considerable degree of success. In addition to the described advantages for energy production, it is important to remember that the production of biomass in such as soil erosion control through the establishment of a plant cover in an otherwise barren soil, carbon dioxide sequestering by the established crops or environmental justice through compliance with the law by owners of polluted land. Therefore, it seems that this can be an important research pathway to follow.
It is important to state that the HM soil remediation process does not end with the phytoremediation and subsequent harvesting of the implemented crops and sometimes not even at the end of the processing for biomass conversion into energy, as metals are non-degradable elements. However, some of these proposed alternatives offer a safe way to turn a potentially harmful residue into a useful resource.
