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Cottongrass effects on trace elements in submersed mine tailings.

Eva Stoltz1, Maria Greger

  • 1Department of Botany, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden. eva.stoltz@botan.su.se

Journal of Environmental Quality
|October 10, 2002
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Summary

Phytostabilization using cottongrass in mine tailings can reduce metal leakage. This plant-based approach offers a sustainable alternative to lime treatment for acid mine drainage, improving environmental conditions.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Remediation Technologies

Background:

  • Acid mine drainage (AMD) poses environmental risks due to metal and arsenic (As) leakage from mine tailings.
  • Lime treatment is common for AMD but can be costly and energy-intensive.
  • Phytostabilization presents a potential eco-friendly alternative to reduce contaminant mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of phytostabilization using two cottongrass species (Eriophorum angustifolium and E. scheuchzeri) in mine tailings.
  • To assess the impact of amendments (sewage sludge and bioash-sewage sludge mixture) on plant growth and element uptake.
  • To determine the effect of phytostabilization on metal and As concentrations in drainage water.

Main Methods:

  • Planting tall and white cottongrass in unlimed (pH 5.0) and limed (pH 10.9) tailings amended with sewage sludge (SS) or a bioash-sewage sludge mixture (ASM).
  • Measuring plant growth, shoot element concentrations, and drainage water parameters (elements, pH, EC, SO4(2-)).
  • Assessing dissolved oxygen levels in the tailings.

Main Results:

  • Both cottongrass species exhibited better growth in SS compared to ASM.
  • Shoot metal concentrations in white cottongrass were lower in SS.
  • Limed tailings showed the lowest metal concentrations in drainage water; plant establishment had minimal impact except for increased Zn.
  • In unlimed tailings, plant growth slightly increased SO4(2-) but raised pH and lowered metal concentrations, indicating stabilization via plant uptake and high pH.
  • Arsenic levels in drainage water from unlimed tailings were unaffected by amendments or plants.

Conclusions:

  • Phytostabilization with tall and white cottongrass is a viable strategy to limit metal and As leakage from mine tailings.
  • This approach can potentially reduce the reliance on lime treatment for AMD.
  • Plant uptake and elevated pH play crucial roles in metal stabilization within the tailings ecosystem.