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Chirilă Băbău AM, Micle V, Damian GE, Sur IM. Lead and copper removal from sterile dumps by phytoremediation with Robinia pseudoacacia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9842. [PMID: 38684877 PMCID: PMC11059218 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60412-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In Romania, huge quantities of gangue material from the mining activity practiced in the past were improperly stored and led to the pollution of the environment. Thus, this work is framed to manage the sterile dump of the "Radeș" mine (Alba, Romania) through a 12-week phytoremediation process. The efficient use of Robinia pseudoacacia was studied through the implementation, at the laboratory level, of a phytoremediation experiment based on various variants prepared by mixtures of gangue material, uncontaminated soil, and dehydrated sludge. The prepared variants, all planted with R. pseudoacacia, were watered with tap water, potassium monobasic phosphate, and enzyme solution. The bioconcentration and translocation factors for lead showed values ˂ 1, which indicates a potential presence of an exclusion system for Pb or a reduced Pb bioavailability since the R. pseudoacacia accumulates high concentrations of metals absorbed on and inside the roots. For copper, both factors had values > 1 indicating the suitability of R. pseudoacacia to readily translocate copper into the epigean organs. In the investigated experimental conditions, the highest efficiency in the removal of copper (93.0%) and lead (66.4%) by plants was obtained when gangue material was not mixed with other materials and wetted with enzymatic solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Mihaela Chirilă Băbău
- Department of Environment Engineering and Entrepreneurship of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Avenue, 400 641, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Valer Micle
- Department of Environment Engineering and Entrepreneurship of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Avenue, 400 641, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Gianina Elena Damian
- Department of Cadastre, Civil and Environmental Engineering, "1 Decembrie 1918" University of Alba Iulia, Alba Iulia, Romania.
| | - Ioana Monica Sur
- Department of Environment Engineering and Entrepreneurship of Sustainable Development, Faculty of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 103-105 Muncii Avenue, 400 641, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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2
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Zulkernain NH, Uvarajan T, Ng CC. Roles and significance of chelating agents for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) phytoremediation in soil: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 341:117926. [PMID: 37163837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Phytoremediation is a biological remediation technique known for low-cost technology and environmentally friendly approach, which employs plants to extract, stabilise, and transform various compounds, such as potentially toxic elements (PTEs), in the soil or water. Recent developments in utilising chelating agents soil remediation have led to a renewed interest in chelate-induced phytoremediation. This review article summarises the roles of various chelating agents and the mechanisms of chelate-induced phytoremediation. This paper also discusses the recent findings on the impacts of chelating agents on PTEs uptake and plant growth and development in phytoremediation. It was found that the chelating agents have increased the rate of metal absorption and translocation up to 45% from roots to the aboveground plant parts during PTEs phytoremediation. Besides, it was also explored that the plants may experience some phytotoxicity after adding chelating agents to the soil. However, due to the leaching potential of synthetic chelating agents, the use of organic chelants have been explored to be used in PTEs phytoremediation. Finally, this paper also presents comprehensive insights on the significance of using chelating agents through SWOT analysis to discuss the advantages and limitations of chelate-induced phytoremediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hanis Zulkernain
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University, Malaysia (XMUM), Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; School of Postgraduate Studies, Research and Internationalisation, Faculty of Integrated Life Sciences, Quest International University, Malaysia
| | - Turkeswari Uvarajan
- School of Postgraduate Studies, Research and Internationalisation, Faculty of Integrated Life Sciences, Quest International University, Malaysia
| | - Chuck Chuan Ng
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University, Malaysia (XMUM), Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
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Luo Y, Xing R, Wan Z, Chen Y. Vertical distribution of nutrients, enzyme activities, microbial properties, and heavy metals in zinc smelting slag site revegetated with two herb species: Implications for direct revegetation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 879:163206. [PMID: 37011682 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Direct revegetation is an important measure to immobilize heavy metals and improve the microecological properties of metal smelting slag sites. However, the vertical distribution of nutrients, microecological properties, and heavy metals at a directly revegetated metal smelting slag site remains unclear. Here, the distribution characteristics of nutrients, enzyme activities, microbial properties, and heavy metals in the vertical profile at a zinc smelting slag site directly revegetated with two herb species (Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens) for 5 years were investigated. The results showed that the nutrient contents, enzyme activities, and microbial properties decreased with increasing slag depth after revegetation with the two herb species. The nutrient contents, enzyme activities, and microbial properties of the surface slag revegetated with Trifolium repens were better than those in the surface slag revegetated with Lolium perenne. The higher root activity in the surface slag (0-30 cm) resulted in relatively higher contents of pseudo-total and available heavy metals in the surface slag. Moreover, the contents of pseudo-total heavy metals (except for Zn) and available heavy metals in the slag revegetated with Trifolium repens were lower than those in the slag revegetated with Lolium perenne at most slag depths. Overall, the greater phytoremediation efficiency of the two herb species occurred mainly in the surface slag (0-30 cm), and the phytoremediation efficiency of Trifolium repens was higher than that of Lolium perenne. The findings are beneficial for understanding the phytoremediation efficiency of direct revegetation strategies for metal smelting slag sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youfa Luo
- Key Laboratory of Kast Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Guizhou Karst Environmental Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Guizhou Hostile Environment Ecological Restoration Technology Engineering Research Centre, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
| | - Rongrong Xing
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zuyan Wan
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yulu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Kast Georesources and Environment, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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Hancock GR, Coulthard TJ. Tailings dams: Assessing the long-term erosional stability of valley fill designs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 849:157692. [PMID: 35908711 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tailings is a generic term for waste material from the extraction and processing of minerals and frequently contain mineral and chemical residues. They are usually highly erodible and transportable via fluvial processes. Tailings are commonly stored in 'tailings dams' and such dams are a feature of many mine sites. As they impound water and sediment, tailings dams can be at risk from both catastrophic and gradual failure, especially if unmanaged. A fundamental question for their management is, can tailings dams ever be walk-away structures? Catastrophic failure occurs when there is a large scale rapid structural failure of the dam wall suddenly releasing large volumes of water and sediment. However, over time, there will the increased risk of gradual failure by the slow infilling of the dam and the erosion of the dam wall. Failure can occur where water overtops the dam wall and then incises through the wall due to a loss of freeboard in the dam, a situation which is more likely in legacy tailings dams where they have been filled, vegetated and abandoned. Here, firstly, a computer based landscape evolution model (CAESAR-Lisflood) is employed to assess a hypothetical tailings dam failure by erosion. Secondly, using an idealised example, it is demonstrated that given average climate conditions a dam can be sufficiently robust to last centuries. Thirdly, and longer term it is demonstrated that the tailings can be contained if (a) maintenance is conducted to increase the dam wall height over time or (b) a more robust dam wall is constructed to manage extreme events. However, erosion and infill will continue to reduce the integrity of any structure over time. Therefore, it is highly likely that tailings dams will require continued monitoring and maintenance. The method outlined provides a new tool for assessing any tailings facility for its erosional stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Hancock
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia.
| | - T J Coulthard
- Energy and Environment Institute, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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Hancock GR. A method for assessing the long-term integrity of tailings dams. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 779:146083. [PMID: 33735655 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mine tailings are a by-product of the processing of minerals. At most mines they are a waste product that needs to be managed. Tailings composition and properties vary widely and are in most cases highly erodible due to their fine particle size and can contain elevated concentrations of unwanted minerals and process chemicals. Therefore, if released to the environment they can be a significant environmental problem. A common management strategy is to store them in 'tailings dams' where they will remain in perpetuity. Little work has been done to assess the long-term erosional behaviour of tailings dams. Computer based Landscape Evolution Models (LEMs) provide information on erosion rates, type of erosion and where erosion is likely to occur. They can therefore provide guidance on long-term behaviour which allows designs to be tested and improved. Here a LEM, SIBERIA, is used to assess two hypothetical tailings dam designs using different surface covers and climates. The results suggest that a tailings dam that can capture rainfall can erode less than a capped design that must shed any runoff. An embankment with a small and steep catchment has minimal erosion potential and any material eroded from the internal wall of the embankment is deposited internally and provides erosion protection. If the external embankment is maintained then there is potential for long-term encapsulation of tailings. The single biggest issue for the employment of LEMs is that of parameterisation and here assumes (1) a uniform and consistent armour or (2) a consistent and self-sustaining vegetation cover. The modelling and methods here provide a template for tailings dam assessment at other sites globally, and will improve tailings dam design and reduce environmental risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Hancock
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.
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A Methodology Based on Magnetic Susceptibility to Characterize Copper Mine Tailings. MINERALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/min10110939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This paper intends to validate the application of magnetic techniques, particularly magnetic susceptibility, as sampling tools on a copper tailings terrace, by correlating them analytically. Magnetic susceptibility was measured in both the field and laboratory. Data obtained allowed for designing spatial magnetic susceptibility distribution maps, showing the horizontal variation of the tailings. In addition, boxplots were used to show the variation of magnetic susceptibility and the concentration of the elements analyzed at different depths of the copper tailings terrace. The degree of correlation between magnetic and chemical variables was defined with coefficient R2. The horizontal and vertical variations of magnetic susceptibility, the concentration of elements, and the significant correlations between them show a relationship between magnetic susceptibility and the chemical processes occurring in the tailing management facility, such as pyrite oxidation. Thus, the correlation functions obtained could be used as semiquantitative tools to characterize tailings or other mining residues.
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Neagoe A, Constantinescu P, Nicoara A, Onete M, Iordache V. Data from experiments with tailing material and Agrostis capillaris at three scales: pot, lysimeter and field plot. Data Brief 2020; 28:104964. [PMID: 31890805 PMCID: PMC6926332 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The data set consists in a file with two sheets: one includes a matrix of 297 rows and 46 columns, and the second one a matrix of 12 rows and 24 columns. In the first sheet each row is a replicate of an experimental variant with Agrostis capillaris growing on tailing substrate belonging to three experiments witch have the same variants, but are organized at three scales. The data from all experiments are in the same table, with a column indicating by a code the experiment to which they belong. In the second spreadsheet there is a table with the relative plant species cover in the experimental field plots. Experimental design and interpretation of the data are provided in “Implications of spatial heterogeneity of tailing material and time scale of vegetation growth processes for the design of phytostabilisation” [1].
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Neagoe
- Research Centre for Ecological Services (CESEC), University of Bucharest, Aleea Portocalelor no. 1-3, 060101, Romania
| | - Paula Constantinescu
- Research Centre for Ecological Services (CESEC), University of Bucharest, Aleea Portocalelor no. 1-3, 060101, Romania
| | - Andrei Nicoara
- Research Centre for Ecological Services (CESEC), University of Bucharest, Aleea Portocalelor no. 1-3, 060101, Romania
| | - Marilena Onete
- Bucharest Institute of Biology, Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independentei no. 296, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Virgil Iordache
- Research Centre for Ecological Services (CESEC), University of Bucharest, Aleea Portocalelor no. 1-3, 060101, Romania
- Corresponding author.
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Manu M, Honciuc V, Neagoe A, Băncilă RI, Iordache V, Onete M. Soil mite communities (Acari: Mesostigmata, Oribatida) as bioindicators for environmental conditions from polluted soils. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20250. [PMID: 31882876 PMCID: PMC6934548 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56700-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
An anthropic ecosystem from Romania was investigated from acarological, vegetation and chemical point of view. The community structures of two groups of mites were studied (Acari: Mesostigmata, Oribatida) from a tailing pond, using transect method, in correlation with concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cu, Pb, Ni, Mn and Zn), with abiotic factors (altitude, aspect, soil temperature, soil humidity, soil pH) and biotic factor (vegetation coverage). Taking into account the mite communities, in total, 30 mite species were identified, with 1009 individuals and 18 immatures (10 species with 59 individuals, 5 immatures of Mesostigmata and 20 species with 950 individuals, 13 immatures of Oribatida). The investigated habitats from the tailing pond were grouped in five transects, with different degree of pollution, based on total metal loads. Taking into account of the connection between mites communities, abiotic factors and heavy metals, each transect were characterized through specific relationship. Using multivariate statistical analysis, we revealed that the occurrence of some Oribatida species was strongly correlated with vegetation coverage, soil pH and soil humidity, though concentrations of Cu, As, Mn, Ni and Zn also had an influence. Pb and Zn concentrations were shown to influence the occurrence of Mesostigmata mites. The heterogeneity of mites species richness at 2 m2 scale was correlated with a metric related to the heterogeneity of heavy metals at the same scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minodora Manu
- Romanian Academy, Institute of Biology Bucharest, Department of Ecology, Taxonomy and Nature Conservation, street Splaiul Independenţei, no. 296, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Viorica Honciuc
- Romanian Academy, Institute of Biology Bucharest, Department of Ecology, Taxonomy and Nature Conservation, street Splaiul Independenţei, no. 296, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aurora Neagoe
- Research Centre for Ecological Services (CESEC), Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Ioana Băncilă
- University Ovidius Constanţa, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Al. Universităţii, corp B, Constanţa, Romania.,Romanian Academy, "Emil Racoviţă" Institute of Speleology, Department of Biospeleology and Soil Edaphobiology, 13 Septembrie Road, No. 13, 050711, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Virgil Iordache
- Research Centre for Ecological Services (CESEC), Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marilena Onete
- Romanian Academy, Institute of Biology Bucharest, Department of Ecology, Taxonomy and Nature Conservation, street Splaiul Independenţei, no. 296, Bucharest, Romania
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