Phytoremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soils

"Petroleum contamination of soil is a serious problem throughout the U.S. Bioremediation of petroleum in soil using indigenous microorganisms has proven effective; however, the biodegradation rate of more recalcitrant and potentially toxic petroleum contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is rapid at first but declines quickly."