Museum of Science, Boston

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October 17, 2007

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According to research by the University of Washington's Sharon Doty, genetically modified poplar trees removed 91% of the pollutant trichloroethylene (a degreaser and the most common groundwater contaminant in U.S. Superfund sites) from a liquid solution. The modified trees worked 100 times faster than unmodified plants, which removed only 3% of the contaminants. These modified plants were also better at breaking down other pollutants, including chloroform (used for disinfecting drinking water), carbon tetrachloride (a solvent), vinyl chloride (used in plastics), and even benzene (a gaseous pollutant in the air).

If scientists can ensure that the modified plants are contained and do not cross pollinate with normal trees, they may one day remove pollutants faster, more completely, and more affordably than current methods that rely on pumping or chemicals. Watch the video to learn more about Dr. Doty's research, which was recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.