Abstract
The contamination of abandoned mining areas is a problem worldwide that needs urgent attention. Phytoremediation emerges as a successful method to extract different contaminants from the soil. In this context, Eucalyptus globulus plants growing in soils artificial contaminated with arsenic (As) were used to access its phytoremediation capabilities. The effects of As on photosynthetic performance were monitored through different physiological parameters, whereas the uptake and translocation of As and the putative effects on calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc levels on plants were evaluated by X-ray fluorescence analysis. Root system is the major accumulator organ, while the translocation to the above-ground organs is poor. In the end of the experiment, the root biomass of plants treated with 200 μg As mL−1 is 27% and 49.7% lower than equivalent biomass from plants treated with 100 μg As mL−1 and control plants, respectively. Each plant can accumulate 8.19 and 8.91 mg As after a 6-month period, when submitted to 100 As and 200 As, respectively. It seems to exist an antagonistic effect of As on Zn root uptake by E. globulus. In general, the tested concentrations do not influence negatively plant metabolism, indicating that this species is suitable for plantation in contaminated areas.
Highlights
The contamination by metals and metalloids due to different anthropogenic activities is a reality worldwide [1,2] and in Portugal and a reason of concern of several scholars and public environmental agencies [3,4,5,6]
Using a portable X-ray Fluorescence apparatus, As was only detected in the roots of E. globulus and the accumulation in this organ did not vary significantly in plants treated with 100 μg As mL−1 (100 As) throughout the experiment, i.e., from March till
The E. globulus can accumulate 8.19 and 8.91 mg As within the period tested, when submitted to 100 and 200 μg As mL−1, respectively, and taking into account the biomass produced and the measured As concentrations in the roots and leaves
Summary
The contamination by metals and metalloids due to different anthropogenic activities is a reality worldwide [1,2] and in Portugal and a reason of concern of several scholars and public environmental agencies [3,4,5,6]. The mining activity was an important contribute to the Portuguese economy until the first half of the 20th century when the majority of the mines were closed [7]. In this context, huge tailings were formed with high concentrations of heavy metals and/or metalloids—arsenic (As), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), with the consequent dispersion of contaminants mainly due to acid mine drainage [8,9]. As occurs primarily in its sulfide form in complex minerals containing silver (Ag), lead, (Pb) copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), antimony (Sb), cobalt (Co), and iron (Fe) [10]. Beyond the As origin from mining activities, the use of phosphate fertilizer during decades has been pointed as the main source of As contamination in Sri
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