Abstract
Phytoremediation of mine soils contaminated by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) requires the use of tolerant plants given the specific conditions of toxicity in the altered soil ecosystems. In this sense, a survey was conducted in an ancient Hg-mining area named “El Terronal” (Asturias, Spain) which is severely affected by PTE contamination (As, Hg, Pb) to obtain an inventory of the spontaneous natural vegetation. A detailed habitat classification was performed and a specific index of coverage was applied after a one-year quadrat study in various sampling stations; seven species were finally selected (Agrostis tenuis, Betula celtiberica, Calluna vulgaris, Dactylis glomerata, Plantago lanceolata, Salix atrocinerea and Trifolium repens). A total of 21 samples (3 per plant) of the soil–plant system were collected and analyzed for the available and total concentrations of contaminants in soil and plants (roots and aerial parts). Most of the studied plant species were classified as non-accumulating plants, with particular exceptions as Calluna vulgaris for Pb and Dactylis glomerata for As. Overall, the results revealed interest for phytoremediation treatments, especially phytostabilization, as most of the plants studied were classified as excluder metallophytes.
Highlights
Contamination derived of mining activities has been increasing dramatically since the beginning of the industrial revolution
The legacy remained for decades in the form of abandoned industrial installations and, heaped on a hillside, a large volume of waste contained heavy metals and arsenic disposed along the San Tirso River valley
According to Díaz and Fernández (2007) [52], phytogeographically, the site is framed as the Eurosiberian Region, the European Atlantic Province, the Cantabrian-Atlantic Subprovince, the Ovetense Litoral District, the Galaico-Asturian Sector, the Ovetense Subsector
Summary
Contamination derived of mining activities has been increasing dramatically since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Mining operations have produced many environmental problems, including soil contamination and ecosystem degradation [1,2], specially wherever potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were included within the ores exploited [3,4]. Studies have shown that PTEs are persistent and widely dispersed in the environment; they interact with different natural components and pose threats to human health and the environment [7,8]. Within usual PTEs found in mining areas As, Hg, and Pb are well-known toxics in low concentrations usually mobilized and adsorbed by animals and plants, and are toxic by ingestion or inhalation for humans
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