Assessing phytoremediation potentials of heavy metals on selected plants species in the restoration environments of Gold Mining Area

Abstract

Mining activity have impacts on the environment which potentially expose heavy metals. Therefore, it is necessary to design the reclamation in order to improve the restoration. This research aims to assess the phytoremediation of potential acid forming (PAF) reclamation area of Henny Dump. The research was carried out by identifying the plant species, and then measuring the plant vegetation index, and measuring the concentration of heavy metals. The research showed that Falcataria molucana (IVI: 150%) and Gmelina arborea (IVI: 150%) are species with the highest Important Value Index (IVI). The soil analysis result for total concentrations of ferrous (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and mangan (Mn) showed that the most significant decrease in the four-year period i.e., Ferrous. Falcataria molucanna and Gmelina arborea as the fast-growing species for restoring the reclamation area which can survive in low acidity concentrations and high of heavy metals ferrous concentrations. These fast-growing species are tolerant in high concentration of ferrous and low acidity of soil quality, as well have the potential to absorb the essential heavy metals of ferrous, where in 2019 the iron concentration was 39,575 ppm and in 2022 was 7,100 ppm