Millennium Projects

Technical Details

Millennium Project Number: M-2001-012

Project Title:Phytoremediation of Cyanide at MGP Sites

Project Start Date: 2001

Projected End Date: 2006

Technical Details:

Technical Details:Cyanide is one of the potentially toxic substances encountered in MGP sites. It is found either as a “free cyanide” (HCN and/or CN) or as an iron-complexed cyanide. Currently, approved analytical methods can only detect TOTAL cyanide present in a sample and cannot distinguish between free and iron-complexed cyanide. In a related but different project, NYGAS is looking at alternative analyses to separate the two types listed above. In this longer term project the objective is to investigate how cyanide can be removed from contaminated soils through natural processes and to fully understand cyanide transport mechanisms. In this project, the objective is to study the possibility of using willows for the uptake of cyanides in soils. It is theorized that willows, planted at MGP sites, can absorb cyanide and process it naturally and therefore remove it from soil and water.

The project is specifically examining cyanide uptake into willow plant tissue as well as sorption into root walls and the biology of the willow tissue after uptake. Given the success of the laboratory effort, a constructed wetland is being established in NYS, as well as in Tennessee, in order for the new technology to be demonstrated. In addition, a protocol/guideline will be developed for optimal design of wetlands with the purpose of controlling cyanide in groundwater.

ALCOA and GTI provided some cofunding in the project’s earlier phases.

View Funding for Millennium Project M-2001-012