Abstract

A field study was carried out (IB-valley areas, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited) to assess the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the tree species, changes in physicochemical and nutritional properties of mine soils, and bioavailability of metals. Only limited amount of topsoil was added in the plantation pits in the ratio of 1:4 (topsoil: weathered mine spoils), which significantly improved pH and fertility. Out of the six analysed metals, the highest concentration was found for Fe followed by Mn > Zn > Cu > Cd > Ni in mine soils. Metal accumulation and bioconcentration factor (BCF) for each metal were calculated for edible fruit (Mangifera indica, Anacardium occidentale, Psidium guajava, Artocarpus heterophyllus and Syzygium cumini) and timber trees (Acacia mangium, Eucalyptus spp., Techtona grandis and Gravellia robusta). Higher metal accumulations were observed in edible fruit trees than control plants growing in garden soil. Significant variations of metal accumulations were observed amongst timber tree species with higher BCF values. Present study suggested that in spite of addition of topsoil, no significant improvement was observed for the bioavailable metal concentration in the mine soils. Additional care should be undertaken, if edible fruit trees are considered for afforestation of coal mine spoils.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.