Ability of Cytisus scoparius for phytoremediation of soils from a Pb/Zn mine: Assessment of metal bioavailability and bioaccumulation. (1st April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lago-Vila, Manoel; Arenas-Lago, Daniel; Rodríguez-Seijo, Andrés; Andrade, Maria Luisa; Vega, Flora A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 235(2019)
• Page Start: 152
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2019-04-01
• Subjects: Bioavailable contents -- Cytisus scoparius -- Polluted soils -- Single extraction -- Shrub -- Mine soils; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.01.058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Abandoned mining areas are an environmental concern for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems due to their unfavourable soil properties and high levels of potentially toxic elements. Despite this, some plant species may grow spontaneously and colonise these areas; being suitable in many cases for restoration practices, since they may accumulate metals in their tissues. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of 14 chemical soil extractants to predict the bioavailability of toxic elements (Cd, Pb and Zn) in soils from the abandoned Pb/Zn mine of Rubiais (NW Spain), based on root and shoot metal contents in Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link, which grows spontaneously in this area. Afterwards, its potential for phytoremediation activities was assessed. Mine soils showed high contents Cd (1.77–14.38 mg kg −1 ), Pb (850–2137 mg kg −1 ) and Zn (1754–12090 mg kg −1 ). Cytisus scoparius grows in spite of these high metal contents; accumulating Zn and Pb in its roots, Zn in the aerial part and excluding mostly Cd from its tissues. None of the extractants used to determine the bioavailable content of Pb allow predicting its availability for C. scoparius . However, LMWOA was the most effective extractant to determine the bioavailability of Cd and Zn for this species. Besides, NH4 NO3 and Ca(NO3 )2 are also good indicators for Zn bioavailability. The analysis of bioconcentration and translocation factors suggest that C. scoparius behaves like a Zn accumulator plant, whereas alternatively, it behaves like a Pb phytostabiliser and as a Cd excluder species. Thus, C. scoparius can be used as a species for mine soil restoration, decreasing the mobility of metals and preventing their dispersion to another ecosystem compartments. Highlights: C ytisus scoparius grow spontaneously in minesoils with high Cd, Pb and Zn contents. LMWOA, NH4 NO3 and Ca(NO3 )2 were effective to predict Zn bioavailable contents. LMWOA extractant is a good indicator for Cd bioavailability. C. scoparius behaves as Zn accumulator, Pb phytostabilizer and Cd excluder species. C. scoparius is a spontaneous pioneer native species suitable for soil restoration.