The purpose of the IPER research project was to apply biotechnology to remove, degrade, or stabilize organic and inorganic contaminants through the use of plant species. To achieve this purpose, was made avaiable a polluted area within the La Spezia Maritime Military Arsenal, where the experimental project was carried out.

Three species were identified in the trial: willow (Salix matsudana), hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides x nigra), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). Tree species considered in science to be highly suitable for the phytoextraction of heavy metals from the soil and in some cases for the degradation of organic substances such as hydrocarbons.