Phytotoxicity and Metals Mobility Assessment in Mining Wastes Amended with Various Biochars

Yassine Chafik, Marta Sena-Velez, Hugo Henaut, Mohammed Oujdi, Alex Ceriani, Sabine Carpin, Domenico Morabito and Sylvain Bourgerie ()
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Yassine Chafik: Laboratory of Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E), UR 1207/USC INRAE 1328, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Orleans, Rue de Chartres, 45067 Orleans Cedex 2, France
Marta Sena-Velez: Laboratory of Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E), UR 1207/USC INRAE 1328, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Orleans, Rue de Chartres, 45067 Orleans Cedex 2, France
Hugo Henaut: Laboratory of Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E), UR 1207/USC INRAE 1328, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Orleans, Rue de Chartres, 45067 Orleans Cedex 2, France
Mohammed Oujdi: Laboratory for the Improvement of Agricultural Production, Biotechnology and Environment (LAPABE), Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed First University, B.P. 717, Oujda 60000, Morocco
Alex Ceriani: Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Botany, Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, University of Insubria, via Monte Generoso, 71, 21100 Varese, Italy
Sabine Carpin: Laboratory of Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E), UR 1207/USC INRAE 1328, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Orleans, Rue de Chartres, 45067 Orleans Cedex 2, France
Domenico Morabito: Laboratory of Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E), UR 1207/USC INRAE 1328, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Orleans, Rue de Chartres, 45067 Orleans Cedex 2, France
Sylvain Bourgerie: Laboratory of Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E), UR 1207/USC INRAE 1328, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Orleans, Rue de Chartres, 45067 Orleans Cedex 2, France

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-22

Abstract: Mining activities often contaminate soils with heavy metals, generating environmental and health risks. This study investigates the ecotoxicity of muddy (Mw) and sandy (Sw) mining wastes on Phaseolus vulgaris and assesses the impact of five locally sourced biochar amendments on plant growth and soil pore water (SPW) properties. Most biochars improved water retention, except for argan nut shells (An) biochar, highlighting the importance of feedstock type. Sw supported better plant growth than Mw regardless of biochar addition, due to textural differences. Palm fronds (Pf) biochar significantly enhanced surface leaf area in Sw. SPW analysis revealed that biochar affected pH and electrical conductivity (EC) differently across soil types. Mw consistently increased pH, while Sw’s pH was biochar-dependent. A significant 5.1-fold EC increase was recorded in Sw amended with Pf. All biochars reduced Pb availability in Mw at planting, while Cu availability decreased in Sw at harvest. In Mw, Pb, Zn, and Cu, uptake and accumulation were unaffected by biochar, while a slight reduction was observed in Sw roots. A germination test with Lepidium sativum confirmed these findings, particularly the inhibition observed with An. This dual approach highlights the toxicity of mining soils and biochars’ potential as amendments for soil remediation programs.

Keywords: metal availability; soil remediation; plant–soil interactions; biochar efficacy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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