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Morcillo L, Turrión D, Fuentes D, Vilagrosa A. Drone-based assessment of microsite-scale hydrological processes promoted by restoration actions in early post-mining ecological restoration stages. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119468. [PMID: 37931436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
A successful choice of post-mining restoration activities in dry climates may depend on relevant features related to topographic characteristics, hydrological processes and vegetation development, which will determine functional recovery in these ecosystems. The combination of different restoration techniques to reestablish vegetation, such as sowing and plantation, implies the interspersion of bare-soil areas with vegetated areas in early plant development stages, which may result in an associated mosaic of hydrologic functioning. In this study, we conducted a drone-based assessment to disentangle the role played by microsite-scale hydrological processes (i.e., planting hole slope, sink volume capacity, individual catchment area, Flow Length Index) promoted by restoration actions in soil protection and vegetation development on the hillside scale. Based on two contrasting restoration scenarios (Steep hillside and Smooth hillside), the different applied restoration treatments conditioned the microtopographic processes on the planting hole scale and, therefore, resource redistribution. The main results showed higher planting hole functionality on the smooth hillsides than on steep hillside, which resulted in greater water availability and bigger vegetation patches. By addressing the role of hydrological processes on the microsite scale, our study contributes substantially to prior knowledge on the relevant factors for ecosystem development and post-mining restoration success. It also demonstrates that high-resolution drone images can be a very useful tool for monitoring restoration actions, especially in large, inaccessible and unstable restored areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Morcillo
- Mediterranean Center for Environmental Studies (CEAM Foundation). Joint Research Unit University of Alicante-CEAM, University of Alicante, 03690, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Diana Turrión
- Mediterranean Center for Environmental Studies (CEAM Foundation). Joint Research Unit University of Alicante-CEAM, University of Alicante, 03690, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain; Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, 03690, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
| | - David Fuentes
- Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, 03690, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain; Ecodrone Works, 03550, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Alberto Vilagrosa
- Mediterranean Center for Environmental Studies (CEAM Foundation). Joint Research Unit University of Alicante-CEAM, University of Alicante, 03690, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain; Department of Ecology, University of Alicante, 03690, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
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Rocha CS, Rocha DC, Kochi LY, Carneiro DNM, Dos Reis MV, Gomes MP. Phytoremediation by ornamental plants: a beautiful and ecological alternative. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:3336-3354. [PMID: 34766223 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17307-7] [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: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Phytoremediation is an eco-friendly and economical technology in which plants are used for the removal of contaminants presents in the urban and rural environment. One of the challenges of the technique is the proper destination of the biomass of plants. In this context, the use of ornamental plants in areas under contamination treatment improves landscape, serving as a tourist option and source of income with high added value. In addition to their high stress tolerance, rapid growth, high biomass production, and good root development, ornamental species are not intended for animal and human food consumption, avoiding the introduction of contaminants into the food web in addition to improving the environments with aesthetic value. Furthermore, ornamental plants provide multiple ecosystem services, and promote human well-being, while contributing to the conservation of biodiversity. In this review, we summarized the main uses of ornamental plants in phytoremediation of contaminated soil, air, and water. We discuss the potential use of ornamental plants in constructed buffer strips aiming to mitigate the contamination of agricultural lands occurring in the vicinity of sources of contaminants. Moreover, we underlie the ecological and health benefits of the use of ornamental plants in urban and rural landscape projects. This study is expected to draw attention to a promising decontamination technology combined with the beautification of urban and rural areas as well as a possible alternative source of income and diversification in horticultural production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Silva Rocha
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Plantas Sob Estresse, Departamento de Botânica, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Avenida Coronel Francisco H. Dos Santos, 100, Centro Politécnico Jardim das Américas, C.P. 19031, Curitiba, , Paraná, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Daiane Cristina Rocha
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Plantas Sob Estresse, Departamento de Botânica, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Avenida Coronel Francisco H. Dos Santos, 100, Centro Politécnico Jardim das Américas, C.P. 19031, Curitiba, , Paraná, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Leticia Yoshie Kochi
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Plantas Sob Estresse, Departamento de Botânica, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Avenida Coronel Francisco H. Dos Santos, 100, Centro Politécnico Jardim das Américas, C.P. 19031, Curitiba, , Paraná, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Daniella Nogueira Moraes Carneiro
- Laboratório de Micropropagação de Plantas, Departamento de Fitotecnia E Fitossanitaríssimo, Setor de Ciências Agrarias, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Dos Funcionário, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba, Paraná, 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Michele Valquíria Dos Reis
- Horto Botânico, Departamento de Agricultura, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, 37200-900, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Pedrosa Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Plantas Sob Estresse, Departamento de Botânica, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Avenida Coronel Francisco H. Dos Santos, 100, Centro Politécnico Jardim das Américas, C.P. 19031, Curitiba, , Paraná, 81531-980, Brazil.
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