BIO 5066 - Phytotechnology

Credits: 4

The focus of this course is on approaches to remove organic and inorganic contaminants from the environment using plants, bacteria, or fungi. This course describes the concepts of bioremediation, the mechanisms for removing contaminants naturally, and the potential application of this technique in different areas in Massachusetts. The laboratory component of this course will provide opportunities for students to apply phytoremediation techniques in removing contaminants from soil or water and be familiar with common assays and instruments in phytotechnology. This course will help students understand the application of environmentally friendly techniques to clean contaminated soil or water. The course is designed to improve students’ scientific writing skills. Graduate students will be assigned to lead a class discussion on a review paper related to the topic of this course. Graduate students will be also responsible to lead one of the labs for this course.