Plants and microbes unite to clean up oil spills

In 10 seconds? Scientists are using plants and microbes co-habiting with them to clean up oil spills on land and water. The technique can make certain plants' ability to remove contamination more efficient.

What’s the story? 'Rhizoremediation' is the new buzzword in environmental cleanup and it is based on the 'cooperation' of plants and microbes living at their roots. Researchers have found that harnessing this symbiosis can especially improve the removal of hydrocarbon contaminants from soils and water.