Phytoremediation of BTEX and Naphthalene from produced-water spill sites using Poaceae.

Surface spills of water produced from hydraulic fracturing can expose soil and groundwater to organics such as BTEX and naphthalene (BTEX&N) as well as high concentrations of salt. As an alternative to soil excavation, we evaluated the effectiveness of BTEX&N soil remediation using 2 grasses present in Colorado. Perennial ryegrass and foxtail barley were grown separately in pots in the greenhouse and exposed to salt or a synthesized produced-water slurry containing relevant levels of salt and BTEX&N.