The green revolution in fighting pollution with genetically engineered plants

In recent years, scientists have made remarkable strides in harnessing the power of genetically engineered plants to address some of the planet’s most pressing environmental issues, such as pollution and climate change. Through genetic modification, plants are being designed to clean up toxic pollutants, absorb harmful gases, and even store carbon dioxide, helping to protect our ecosystems and improve the planet’s overall health.

Cleaning up polluted environments

One of the most innovative ways genetically engineered plants are being used is in the cleanup of polluted sites. Researchers, including Sharon Doty, a plant biologist at the University of Washington, have developed genetically modified plants to remove hazardous pollutants from the environment. The goal is to tackle Superfund sites—areas heavily contaminated with dangerous chemicals—by using plants’ natural ability to absorb pollutants through their roots.

Phytoremediation, the process of using plants to remove toxins from soil and water, is not a new concept. However, traditional phytoremediation methods have been criticized for being too slow. To address this, scientists have turned to genetic engineering to enhance plants’ natural ability to clean up pollution. By modifying plants such as poplar trees, researchers have created variants that can absorb and break down harmful chemicals much faster than their unmodified counterparts. For instance, genetically engineered poplars can remove up to 91% of trichloroethylene (a common contaminant in groundwater) in a fraction of the time it takes regular plants.

Not only do these modified plants remove harmful substances like trichloroethylene, but they have also shown potential in cleaning up other pollutants, including benzene (a petroleum-related toxin) and vinyl chloride (a carcinogenic substance used in plastics). These advancements in genetically engineered plants represent a promising approach to reducing the toxic legacy of industrialization and cleaning up contaminated land.

Tackling explosive residues

In addition to dealing with chemical pollutants, scientists have also made strides in addressing explosive residues, such as RDX, which are commonly found in military sites and other contaminated areas. RDX is toxic and does not break down easily in the environment, posing long-term risks to both human health and wildlife.

Researchers, including biotechnologist Neil Bruce from the University of York, have engineered plants such as thale cress to break down RDX quickly and safely. These plants convert the dangerous chemical into non-toxic compounds, such as nitrite, which they can then use as a nitrogen source. The development of these plants offers a new, more eco-friendly solution to the widespread contamination caused by explosives.

Please also read: The science behind why plants improve indoor air quality

Enhancing carbon sequestration to fight climate change

In the fight against climate change, genetically engineered plants are also playing a pivotal role. Agricultural practices are responsible for over one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, and researchers are working to transform crops into powerful tools for capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By enhancing photosynthesis—the process through which plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen—scientists have developed crops that can absorb significantly more carbon dioxide than their natural counterparts.

For example, the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency project, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to optimize photosynthesis to increase plant productivity by up to 40%. This would allow crops to store more carbon and reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. Similarly, researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies are genetically modifying plant roots to be deeper, stronger, and more resistant to decomposition, ensuring that carbon is stored securely in the soil.

In addition to modifying individual crops, there is also growing interest in optimizing soil-microbe interactions. Plants naturally exchange beneficial molecules with microbes living in the soil, and genetic engineering could enhance this relationship, helping to lock carbon in the soil for longer periods of time.

Protecting our ecosystems with engineered crops

Beyond agricultural lands, natural ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, and marine environments also play a critical role in carbon sequestration. Strategic reforestation and the preservation of blue carbon ecosystems—such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses—are vital to mitigating climate change. These ecosystems are particularly effective at absorbing carbon, and their preservation could help offset billions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Grasslands, in particular, offer an underutilized opportunity for carbon storage. Unlike forests, grasslands store most of their carbon underground, which makes them less vulnerable to droughts and wildfires. By incorporating genetically engineered crops into these landscapes, it may be possible to boost their ability to capture and retain carbon, helping to address the global carbon crisis.

Ensuring safe and effective use

While genetically engineered plants offer significant potential, their use must be approached with caution. Researchers are committed to ensuring that modified plants do not have unintended consequences on ecosystems, such as harming local wildlife or spreading genes to wild plant populations. For example, modified poplars are being studied in controlled environments to ensure that they do not pose risks to surrounding ecosystems.

In the United States, current regulations allow for research and controlled trials of genetically engineered trees, but commercial use remains restricted. This has sparked a debate about the risks and benefits of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the environment. Researchers, however, remain optimistic that with careful regulation and ongoing research, genetically engineered plants can be a game-changer in the fight against pollution and climate change.

Conclusion

Genetically engineered plants are rapidly emerging as powerful tools to tackle two of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: pollution and climate change. By improving the ability of plants to absorb pollutants, break down toxic chemicals, and store carbon, these plants offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution to environmental degradation. However, careful regulation and continued research are necessary to ensure that these technologies are used safely and effectively. As the science continues to evolve, genetically engineered plants may soon play a key role in restoring ecosystems and mitigating the impacts of human activity on our planet.