Giant miscanthus (Miscantus × Giganteus Greef Et Deu.) - A Promising Plant for Soil Remediation: A Mini Review

Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu.) is a perennial rhizomatous grass with C4 type photosynthesis, which is distinctive by its resistance to cold temperatures when maintaining a sufficient photosynthesis rate. We revised potential of Miscanhus for use in soil bioremediation, especially from biological point of view. Translocation rate from roots to aerial part is low in general, but Miscanthus is able to grow even on highly contaminated soils without artificial fertilization. We also discussed the role of root exudates in pollutant immobilization, chelation and uptake. Commetabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with assistance of soil microbes shows promising results and significant reduction of tetracyclic PAHs in soil. Miscanthus is therefore suitable for immobilization of inorganic pollutants in soil and removal of organic pollutants, which makes it suitable to create buffer zones for surface waterway protection, stabilization of heavily contaminated substrates (e.g. reclaimed burrows of mining industry and sedimentation pools). According to low content of pollutants in aerial biomass the harvested plant material is deemed safe for further agricultural or industrial use.