Abstract
Phalaris aquatica and Trifolium subterraneum grown on a tailings-storage facility (control) and tailings-storage treated with either topsoil or biosolids in a gold–copper mine were analysed for Al, Cu, Fe, and Mo contents. Soil samples from the treatments were also tested for these metals and soil properties. Results indicated that higher levels of metals occurred in T. subterraneum than in P. aquatica; metal contents in both taxa were significantly greater in the control, and higher metal contents occurred in plants tested in May 2008 (autumn) compared with October 2008 (spring). A strong relationship existed between Cu, Fe, and Mo contents in T. subterraneum and Al content in the tested soils. A significant relationship was also observed between Al content in T. subterraneum and K, Na, and SO4 levels in the soils. We recommend that tailings soil be amended with either topsoil or biosolids before grazing livestock to reduce the risk of either mineral deficiencies or toxicities.
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