International Journal of Phytoremediation, 16:641–642, 2014 C Taylor & Francis Group, LLC Copyright ISSN: 1522-6514 print / 1549-7879 online DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2013.860764
9TH INTERNATIONAL PHYTOTECHNOLOGY SOCIETY CONFERENCE, 11–14 SEPTEMBER 2012, HASSELT UNIVERSITY, BELGIUM Jaco Vangronsveld, Nele Witters, and Nele Weyens Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
The papers in this dedicated issue of the International Journal of Phytoremediation were presented at the 9th Conference of the International Phytotechnology Society (IPS) which was hosted by the Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK) of Hasselt University in Belgium. A specific emphasis of this 9th conference was on the fact that Phytotechnologies—plant-based strategies to remediate contaminated or degraded water, soil, air and provide ecosystem services—have an effective power beyond their science when integrated into our managed landscapes. These phytotechnologies fit well within the core research competencies of the multidisciplinary CMK, which cover “effects of abiotic and biotic stress factors on different biological organizational levels (plants, fungi, animals, and humans)”, as well as “remediation and management of contaminated soils (combined with renewable energy production)”, “policy supporting environmental research”, and “ecosystem goods and services”. The conference brought together (young) scientists, designers, engineers, builders, regulators, and users working with phytotechnologies into one conversation to promote successful implementation and operation of plant-based solutions that build an ecological relationship with the landscapes and communities they serve. It was successful in exchanging information, experience and achievements in all plant-based technologies adopted to mitigate environmental problems, in evaluating currently applied technologies and in presenting innovative ideas. The presented plant-based technologies were not limited to phytoremediation of different contaminants, but also included closely related topics such as biofuel production on degraded soils, green-roof technology, treatment wetlands, landfill caps, and carbon sequestration. With over 320 participants, 90 full platform presentations, 30 short platform presentations and about 170 poster presentations, the participation to the 9th IPS Conference on Phytotechnologies was more numerous and diverse than ever before. Besides an overwhelming participation from most European countries, many contributions have been received from countries around the world. We would like to express our sincere thanks to those below for helping us making this 9th Conference successful. • The organizing committee (Jason White, Steven Rock, Lee Newman, Elena Maestri and Renee Stoops),
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J. VANGRONSVELD ET AL.
• The Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK) of Hasselt University, • The scientific committee, and • Sponsors (Hasselt University, IPS, NIEHS, Fisher Scientific, VWR, Arcadis, Cities of Genk and Hasselt, De Lijn, TTC and Isogen)
9TH INTERNATIONAL PHYTOTECHNOLOGY SOCIETY CONFERENCE, 11–14 SEPTEMBER 2012, HASSELT UNIVERSITY, BELGIUM Jaco Vangronsveld, Nele Witters, and Nele Weyens Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
The papers in this dedicated issue of the International Journal of Phytoremediation were presented at the 9th Conference of the International Phytotechnology Society (IPS) which was hosted by the Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK) of Hasselt University in Belgium. A specific emphasis of this 9th conference was on the fact that Phytotechnologies—plant-based strategies to remediate contaminated or degraded water, soil, air and provide ecosystem services—have an effective power beyond their science when integrated into our managed landscapes. These phytotechnologies fit well within the core research competencies of the multidisciplinary CMK, which cover “effects of abiotic and biotic stress factors on different biological organizational levels (plants, fungi, animals, and humans)”, as well as “remediation and management of contaminated soils (combined with renewable energy production)”, “policy supporting environmental research”, and “ecosystem goods and services”. The conference brought together (young) scientists, designers, engineers, builders, regulators, and users working with phytotechnologies into one conversation to promote successful implementation and operation of plant-based solutions that build an ecological relationship with the landscapes and communities they serve. It was successful in exchanging information, experience and achievements in all plant-based technologies adopted to mitigate environmental problems, in evaluating currently applied technologies and in presenting innovative ideas. The presented plant-based technologies were not limited to phytoremediation of different contaminants, but also included closely related topics such as biofuel production on degraded soils, green-roof technology, treatment wetlands, landfill caps, and carbon sequestration. With over 320 participants, 90 full platform presentations, 30 short platform presentations and about 170 poster presentations, the participation to the 9th IPS Conference on Phytotechnologies was more numerous and diverse than ever before. Besides an overwhelming participation from most European countries, many contributions have been received from countries around the world. We would like to express our sincere thanks to those below for helping us making this 9th Conference successful. • The organizing committee (Jason White, Steven Rock, Lee Newman, Elena Maestri and Renee Stoops),
641
642
J. VANGRONSVELD ET AL.
• The Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK) of Hasselt University, • The scientific committee, and • Sponsors (Hasselt University, IPS, NIEHS, Fisher Scientific, VWR, Arcadis, Cities of Genk and Hasselt, De Lijn, TTC and Isogen)
