Abstract
The phytoextraction of toxic elements present in industrial wastes by selected tree species seems to offer an interesting alternative to hyperaccumulators, which are generally highly effective but small. For this reason, the study aimed to compare the potential of 1- and 2-year-old Tilia cordata Miller and Ulmus laevis Pall seedlings growing on a mixture of wastes (flotation tailings and sewage sludges) in the environment. One-year-old T. cordata was the only plant unable to grow successfully. A general decrease in tree biomass was observed following their growth on the waste mixture. The mean biomass of 2-year-old T. cordata and U. laevis seedlings was 59.5 ± 1.6 and 57.0 ± 8.6 g, respectively, whereas that of 1-year-old T. cordata was 16.0 ± 9.3 g. These values were 46.2, 48.0 and 50.5% lower than those determined for the control trees. Phytoextraction of 67 elements in particular organs of trees in many cases was significantly diverse. According to the Friedman rank sum test, T. cordata (1y) and U. laevis (2y) growing in soil were the only plants that differed as regards their ability to phytoextract elements. In the case of trees growing on the waste mixture, the most effective accumulating plants were seedlings of 2-year-old T. cordata. Significantly lower efficiency was observed for 2-year-old U. laevis, while the lowest efficiency was recorded for 1-year-old T. cordata. The obtained results unambiguously pointed to the significant role of a proper selection of tree species concerning their age for phytoextraction of elements from polluted substrates.
Highlights
Heavy metals are one of the most considerable ecological problems; they are mainly related to the anthropogenic activity (Chen et al 2014; Saba et al 2015)
Phytoremediation is a viable biological method for the remediation of areas polluted with especially toxic elements
The waste mixture used in the experiment was characterised by a high concentration of selected elements, which undoubtedly influenced plant response but element phytoextraction
Summary
Heavy metals are one of the most considerable ecological problems; they are mainly related to the anthropogenic activity (Chen et al 2014; Saba et al 2015). An increase in the concentration of these elements in the environment causes changes in natural processes that influence the proper functioning of a variety of ecosystems (Theriault and Nkongogo 2016) For this reason, it is essential to control the number of toxic elements transported directly to the environment. In conditions where high amounts of toxic elements are stored, there is an ever-present risk, and it is important that appropriate methods are adopted to minimise the negative influence of these elements. Such protective measures include the implementation of biological methods such as phytoremediation. Being a cost-effective, longlasting and aesthetic solution, it offers quite a high efficiency
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