Accumulation of elements in plants and soils in and around Mangampeta and Vemula barite mining areas, Cuddapah District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Different plant organs and their corresponding substrate samples were collected from Mangampeta and Vemula barite mining areas of Cuddapah District, Andhra Pradesh. The presence of Indigofera cordifolia exclusively developed on mine dumps of the Vemula barite area and its significant absence away from the mining area shows its indicator characteristics for barium from the geobotanical point of view. Multi-element analysis of these samples was carried out and thebiological absorption coefficient (BAC) was calculated. The BAC is the ratio of the concentration of an element in plant ash to that of its substrate. The results show the presence and/or absence of certain elements in plants and soils, which can be explained on the basis of biogeochemical cycling of elements, exclusion mechanisms, and bioavailability. Further, Tridax procumbens (Li), I. cordifolia (Ba), Cassia angustifolia (Sr), and Kirganelia reticulata (Co) are identified as accumulator plants without considering their substrate concentration. Based on BAC, C. angustifolia (Sr) and Tephrosia purpurea (Zn) are determined to be accumulator plants. Such plant species may be useful in mineral exploration, and reclamation and revegetation of adversely affected mining environments.