HOR 116 Introduction to Phytotechnology

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Credits: 4

Provides an overview of innovative technologies that use plants to clean water, soil, air, and build sustainable ecosystem services in managed (urban and rural) landscapes. Discusses conventional practices used to measure and treat quantity/quality of water, soil and air; the common pollutants found in each; and the impacts on environmental, social, and economic well-being. Explores environmental factors, horticultural practices, and physiological mechanisms that affect plant growth and response to pollution in phytotechnology applications. Introduces the range of career opportunities in this highly multi-disciplinary field.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Define phytotechnology and describe the many disciplines that contribute to this field.
Discuss basic components, functions, and benefits of various plant technologies used to treat water, soil, air.
Compare and contrast conventional treatment practices with plant-based options.
Relate common pollutants in water, soil, and air to environmental and human health impacts.
Apply horticultural practices to encourage plant growth and function in different scenarios.
Review the physiological mechanisms that plants use to interact with pollution and provide ecosystem services.

Content Outline

Introduction
- Definitions, scope
- Ecosystem services provided by plants
- Historical context for the development of this field
Plant Growth and Response to Pollution
- Essential nutrients for growth
- Right-plant-right-place versus functional tolerance limits
- Physiological mechanisms for remediation
- Basic nutrient cycling
Water
- Measuring quantity and quality
- Common pollutants
- Impacts on environmental and human health
- Conventional treatment practices
  - Methods
  - Cost implications
  - Impacts and consequences of treatment
- Phytotechnology options
  - Technologies
  - Relevant horticultural practices and considerations
  - Relevant environmental influences
  - Cost implications
  - Impacts and consequences of treatment
Soil
- Measuring quantity and quality
- Common pollutants
- Impacts on environmental and human health
- Conventional treatment practices
  - Methods
  - Cost implications
  - Impacts and consequences of treatment
- Phytotechnology options
  - Technologies
  - Relevant horticultural practices and considerations
  - Relevant environmental influences
  - Cost implications
  - Impacts and consequences of treatment
Air
- Measuring quantity and quality
- Common pollutants
- Impacts on environmental and human health
- Conventional treatment practices
  - Methods
  - Cost implications
  - Impacts and consequences of treatment
- Phytotechnology options
  - Technologies
  - Relevant horticultural practices and considerations
  - Relevant environmental influences
  - Cost implications
  - Impacts and consequences of treatment
Career Opportunities