This issue, readers have been polled of their knowledge on phytoremediation, which is a new and rapidly developing form of bioremediation which uses green plants and their associated microorganisms to destroy, remove, contain, or otherwise detoxify environmental contaminants. However, out of readers polled, 43% have not heard about phytoremediation in contrast to the 57% who have.

In the polls, readers generally believe (52%) that phytoremediation could be effectively employed in eliminating toxic compounds from the environment. With a further 24% expressing the possibility and 6% believe otherwise. 18% of readers do not know.

However, despite such low levels of understanding, readers overwhelmingly believe that Malaysia should carry out research in the field, accounting for 92% of votes, with 4% expressing hope and another 4% opposing. This trend is further evident with the query on whether phytoremediation would be a beneficial technology to the country, with 92% of readers believing so, and a further 8% expressed that they did not know.