The first part of Volume 9 will supply the readers with up-to-date information concerning the necessary theoretical background, both concerning removal of heavy metals from the contaminated environment, and removal, detoxication and even degradation of toxic organic contaminants. Until recently phytoremediation has been discussed mostly in monographs dealing with microbiological remediation methods as a separate chapter, just to illustrate an additional possibility of use of biological systems. This book intends to show especially the importance of cooperation between plant and microorganisms, there is practically no phytoremediation without rhizoremediation. Newest approaches based on methods of molecular biology and genetic engineering are described, as well as plant science achievements. The great advantage of this volume is that the reader will find here in addition to a survey of published data also a lot of original findings, thus supplying an up-to-date review of this quickly developing field of science.