A limitation to phytoremediation of solvents has been
toxicity of the compounds to plants, and the uncertainty
as to the fate of many of the compounds. In a recent
study, engineered endophytes have been shown to
increase plant tolerance to toluene, and to decrease
the transpiration of toluene to the atmosphere. This
type of work has the potential to increase the use of
phytoremediation by decreasing toxicity and increasing
degradation of toxins.