Abstract
Trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ba, Fe, Al, Mn and Ba) were uptaken by the leaves of the creosote bush (Larrea tridentata (DC.) Coville) in Nelson, Nevada, although at low concentrations. Samples were collected up-gradient of the mine tailings, the tailings, and down gradient from the source to measure spatial distribution. Data show that trace elements (As, Ba, Cr, Hg, Se) enter L. tridentata through root tissues, migrating to leaf tissue, but at significantly lower levels than that of the source sediments. Metalloid (As and Se) concentrations in the leaf tissues ranged from non-detect to greater than 44 mg kg−1 As and non-detect to over 34 mg kg−1 Se. For trace metals, Hg ranged from non-detect to 0.14 mg kg−1; Ba from 1.74 to 4.12 mg kg−1; and Cr from non-detect to 6.18 mg kg−1 while Ag, Cd, and Pb were not detected in the plant leaves. When comparing the ratio of sediment metal concentration to plant metal concentrations, the Techatticup Wash contained the highest levels of trace elements in the leaves of the L. tridentata, followed by the Carnation Wash, with the Eagle Wash containing the lowest concentrations of trace elements.
Highlights
Impacts of abandoned mine waste extend beyond potential contamination of water and sediments.The transport of trace metals and metalloids (“elements”) in the environment and into the food chain can pose environmental and human health risks
This study evaluated the transport of trace elements (Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Se) in leaf tissue of L. tridentata in three desert washes (e.g., Carnation, Eagle and Techatticup) near the historic mining town of Nelson; an arid region of southern Nevada (USA)
That study [27] provided evidence of the transport of contaminants in this arid region, contrary to the generally held belief of such materials are stationary due to arid environmental conditions [29]. They found that trace elements were transported as far as 6000 m down gradient from source to areas not directly impacted by mining activities
Summary
The transport of trace metals and metalloids (“elements”) in the environment and into the food chain can pose environmental and human health risks. Such risks depend on the bioavailability of trace elements for plants to uptake from sediment [1]. Background of Cr in leaf material was
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