Analysis of native vegetation for detailed characterization of a soil contaminated by tannery waste. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Visconti, Donato; Fiorentino, Nunzio; Caporale, Antonio G.; Stinca, Adriano; Adamo, Paola; Motti, Riccardo; Fagnano, Massimo
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 252(2019):Part B
• Page Start: 1599
• Page End: 1608
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Bioaccumulation coefficient -- Ecological risk index -- Phytostabilization -- Heavy metals -- Vascular flora; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.06.125
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: The risks for human health and the ecosystem due to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were investigated in a farmland classified as potentially contaminated by Cr and Zn by analysing native vegetation and relative rhizo-soils. Rhizo-soils of different plant species were found to be enriched by Cr and Zn as well as by elements omitted from official environmental characterization, namely Cd, As and Pb. The ecological risk index (ERI) had a mean value of 510, indicating high to "very high" risk in different habitats. ERI above the very high risk threshold characterized the rhizo-soils of Lolium perenne, Erigeron sumatrensis, Oloptum thomasii and Amaranthus retroflexus . Two of these plant species ( E. sumatrensis and A. retroflexus ) are exotic in Italy and accumulated Cd in the shoots above the EU threshold for forage, suggesting a potential risk of Cd transfer to the food chain. Hence, this element was found to contribute most to the ERI. Cynodon dactylon was recognized as the most suitable plant species for the phytostabilization of the contaminated site, as it showed the highest bioavailable Cd accumulation in roots coupled with the highest frequency and soil-cover capacity during spring-summer, when the risk of soil resuspension is generally more intense. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Pollutants from industrial activities are the main threat for humans and ecosystems. Analyzing wild flora can help in contaminated soil characterization and remediation. As, Cd and Pb in soils bared a potential risk but Cd was the most hazardous element. Cd accumulation in shoots suggests the risk of transfer to food chain. Cynodon dactylon was the best plant for phytostabilization and site securing. Abstract : In a soil polluted by tannery wastes, Cr and Zn did not pose environmental and sanitary risks, while Cd was the most dangerous element. Cynodon dactylon was the most suitable species for remediating the site.