Thank you for this really interesting question. As you mentioned, my primary is that the plants would likely absorb pollution at more or less the same rate as nutrients. You also didn’t mention how far away your friend lives. It can be problematic introducing plants—even dead ones—into a new area, but without that knowledge I’ll assume that’s not a problem here. My advice would be to contact the Louisiana State University Ag Center Extension (https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/extension) and see if they’d be able to test a sample if you brought it in. Your idea is interesting, but I’d give it a pass unless further information can be gathered.
Hi Rainer,
Thank you for this really interesting question. As you mentioned, my primary is that the plants would likely absorb pollution at more or less the same rate as nutrients. You also didn’t mention how far away your friend lives. It can be problematic introducing plants—even dead ones—into a new area, but without that knowledge I’ll assume that’s not a problem here. My advice would be to contact the Louisiana State University Ag Center Extension (https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/extension) and see if they’d be able to test a sample if you brought it in. Your idea is interesting, but I’d give it a pass unless further information can be gathered.
All best.
Joe Bills
Associate Editor
OFA