Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation by Plant Remediation Technologies

Jesús D. Peco, Pablo Higueras, Juan A. Campos, José M. Esbrí, Marta M. Moreno, Fabienne Battaglia-Brunet and Luisa M. Sandalio
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Jesús D. Peco: Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
Pablo Higueras: Instituto de Geología Aplicada, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 13400 Ciudad Real, Spain
Juan A. Campos: Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
José M. Esbrí: Instituto de Geología Aplicada, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 13400 Ciudad Real, Spain
Marta M. Moreno: Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
Fabienne Battaglia-Brunet: Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM), 3 Avenue Claude Guillemin, 45060 Orléans, France
Luisa M. Sandalio: Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Celular y Molecular de Plantas, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, (CSIC), 18008 Granada, Spain

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 12, 1-27

Abstract: Abandoned mine lands (AMLs), which are considered some of the most dangerous anthropogenic activities in the world, are a source of hazards relating to potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Traditional reclamation techniques, which are expensive, time-consuming and not well accepted by the general public, cannot be used on a large scale. However, plant-based techniques have gained acceptance as an environmentally friendly alternative over the last 20 years. Plants can be used in AMLs for PTE phytoextraction, phytostabilization, and phytovolatilization. We reviewed these phytoremediation techniques, paying particular attention to the selection of appropriate plants in each case. In order to assess the suitability of plants for phytoremediation purposes, the accumulation capacity and tolerance mechanisms of PTEs was described. We also compiled a collection of interesting actual examples of AML phytoremediation. On-site studies have shown positive results in terms of soil quality improvement, reduced PTE bioavailability, and increased biodiversity. However, phytoremediation strategies need to better characterize potential plant candidates in order to improve PTE extraction and to reduce the negative impact on AMLs.

Keywords: phytoremediation; phytostabilization; phytovolatilization; phytoextraction; abandoned mine lands; heavy metals; reclamation; oxidative stress; accumulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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