Studies by SRTC and the USFS-SR have demonstrated that Vetiver grass (a sterile, exotic plant) can tolerate winter conditions at the SRS and can grow in harsh, heavy metal contaminated soil. The phytoremediation potential of Vetiver grass was recently evaluated using lead contaminated soils from the SRS Small Arms Training Area (SATA).

Vetiver was planted in lead contaminated, SATA soils and monitored for growth. The lead contaminant uptake by the plants was evaluated with and without soil amendments and with and without herbicide treatment. Before and after lead levels in the plants and the before and after lead levels in the soil were measured using a field portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) instrument. XRF analyses provides an efficient and cost effective means to perform a large number of relatively quick analytical measurements. Hundreds of low-cost analyses were performed within days of sample preparation. The testing protocol used was supported by EPA Method 6200, Metals in Soils Analysis using Field Portable XRF.

The ability of Vetiver to stabilize and remediate lead-contaminated soil has considerable potential applicability to soil remediation and stabilization efforts at SATA and may also aid in the DOE’s accelerated cleanup efforts for the SRS.