Phytomanagement refers to the targeted use of plants to remediate contaminated soil and utilise the resulting biomass. This process can make a significant contribution to the circular economy: contaminated areas are reclaimed, while at the same time renewable raw materials are produced that can be returned to circular material and production cycles. This is precisely where the CBE JU-funded pHYBi project (Phytomanagement for sustainable bio-based raw materials for the textile industry) comes in. Innovative phytomanagement strategies using industrial plants are being tested and scientifically monitored at several pilot sites in Europe. The biomass produced is then examined to determine whether it is suitable for high-quality textile applications. In addition, virtual tools simulate the entire process, facilitate transferability to other regions and connect biomass producers with biorefineries.

Locations across Europe

In the first year of the project, the research team analysed various European sites where soils are contaminated with pyrite ash, sewage, oil spills, hydrocarbons or salinisation. Samples taken were examined for physical, chemical and microbiological parameters of soil health, as well as for raw material quality and possible pollutant pathways. The pHYBi team tested phytomanagement strategies with plants such as Miscanthus × giganteus and Cannabis sativa. Their potential for phytoremediation is currently being evaluated in trials. In parallel, microbial consortia and mycorrhizae are being investigated to increase biomass production and remediation efficiency. In addition, remote sensing techniques such as drone flights were used to monitor soil contamination and plant health over large areas.

What happens next

The pHYBi partners are continuously working on optimising plant management strategies and analysing the harvested biomass in terms of its usability in order to identify potential sales markets in the textile sector. At the same time, a virtual replication tool is being developed that brings together plant management, biomass utilisation and possible end uses, thus providing guidelines and recommendations for other regions. The involvement of relevant stakeholders and cooperation with related initiatives is also becoming increasingly important.

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