Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage? Incorrect choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential information. A. Before considering phytoremediation, hyperaccumulating species of plants local to the target area must be identified. B. The investigation begins with an evaluation of toxic sites in the target area to determine the extent of contamination. C. The first step in phytoremediation is the planting of hyperaccumulating plants in the area to be cleaned up. D. Mines and irrigation ponds can be kept from becoming contaminated by planting hyperaccumulating species in targeted areas.