Genetically engineered phytoremediation: one man's trash is another man's transgene

Plant-based environmental remediation, or phytoremediation, has been widely pursued in recent years as a favorable clean-up technology and is an area of intensive scientific investigation. For the vast majority of field applications, vegetative 'phyto-crops' are selected specifically for their capacity for site decontamination and not for additional concurrent or post-remediation utility. By contrast, a recent publication by Ellis and colleagues highlights potential anti-carcinogenic uses for plants genetically engineered primarily for detoxification of selenium-polluted soils and sediments.