Plants are sometimes used for phytoremediation in areas where the soil has been contaminated with heavy metals. Suppose the Acme Remediation Company is proposing to remediate a contaminated area that you wish to restore. Acme presents you with the following data as evidence of their company's ability to remediate soil.

-Which would provide the best evidence that Acme's phytoremediation really works?

Question

Plants are sometimes used for phytoremediation in areas where the soil has been contaminated with heavy metals. Suppose the Acme Remediation Company is proposing to remediate a contaminated area that you wish to restore. Acme presents you with the following data as evidence of their company's ability to remediate soil.
 
-Which would provide the best evidence that Acme's phytoremediation really works?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The data on heavy metal content of plants grown in normal soil versus soil contaminated with heavy metals would provide the best evidence that Acme's phytoremediation really works. This data would show if the plants were able to successfully reduce the amount of heavy metals in the soil or if they were just growing in contaminated soil without actually remediating it. Testimonials from former customers or a list of plant species that tolerate heavy metals do not directly demonstrate the effectiveness of Acme's phytoremediation process, and a list of publications from Acme's scientists may be informative but would not necessarily prove the effectiveness of their phytoremediation method in practice.

Plants Are Sometimes Used for Phytoremediation in Areas Where the Soil