A resident of Corvallis, Oregon, Dr. A. Morrie Craig holds a PhD in biophysics and is an expert in veterinary toxicology. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Morrie Craig performed research at Oregon State University that led to the development of the concept of phyto-ruminal-bioremediation.
A term officially established by the United States Department of Agriculture, phyto-ruminal-bioremediation refers to the clearing of toxins and munitions from the land by two processes: plants extracting toxins from the soil and microorganisms from ruminants (mammals such as sheep, goats, and cattle) biodegrading them. For the past two decades, scientists have known that grasses can remove toxins from soil, but it was only recently discovered that certain ruminants, especially sheep, can also clear toxins from the land.
The implementation of phyto-ruminal-bioremediation technology, an agriculture-based technology, presents a novel strategy for improving the environment. For example, using grasses and ruminants for bioremediation has applications for reclaiming war-torn areas so they can be used safely for food and animal production.
A term officially established by the United States Department of Agriculture, phyto-ruminal-bioremediation refers to the clearing of toxins and munitions from the land by two processes: plants extracting toxins from the soil and microorganisms from ruminants (mammals such as sheep, goats, and cattle) biodegrading them. For the past two decades, scientists have known that grasses can remove toxins from soil, but it was only recently discovered that certain ruminants, especially sheep, can also clear toxins from the land.
The implementation of phyto-ruminal-bioremediation technology, an agriculture-based technology, presents a novel strategy for improving the environment. For example, using grasses and ruminants for bioremediation has applications for reclaiming war-torn areas so they can be used safely for food and animal production.
