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Effect of soil capping depth on phosphogypsum stack revegetation
Lenore E Turner1,2, Amalesh Dhar2, M Anne Naeth3
1City of Beaumont, Beaumont, AB, Canada.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|February 28, 2022
Summary
Reclaiming phosphogypsum stacks with at least 15 cm of soil cover and specific grasses like Agropyron trachycaulum or Festuca ovina is effective. This method improves vegetation cover and reduces environmental hazards from the waste material.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Agronomy
Background:
- Phosphogypsum (PG) is a major industrial byproduct of phosphorus fertilizer production.
- PG stacks pose environmental risks if not properly managed.
- Reclamation through soil capping and revegetation is a viable strategy to mitigate these risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of soil capping and vegetation on phosphogypsum stack reclamation.
- To assess plant growth, health, rooting, and trace element uptake under different capping depths and plant species.
- To determine optimal soil cover depth and plant species for successful phosphogypsum stack remediation.
Main Methods:
- Field study on a phosphogypsum stack with five soil capping depths (8-91 cm) and an uncapped control.
- Five vegetation treatments including monocultures of four grass species and one grass-legume mix.
- Monitoring of vegetation cover, biomass, health, soil water content, and trace element concentrations in plant tissues over five years.
Main Results:
- Vegetation cover and plant health significantly improved with soil capping (≥15 cm) compared to uncapped plots.
- Agropyron trachycaulum and Festuca ovina showed the greatest vegetation cover (26%).
- Plant tissue concentrations of cobalt, nickel, and fluorine were elevated but generally below levels harmful for animal consumption, with cap depth influencing fluorine and cobalt levels.
Conclusions:
- A minimum soil capping depth of 15 cm is recommended for effective phosphogypsum stack reclamation.
- Agropyron trachycaulum and Festuca ovina are suitable grass species for revegetating capped phosphogypsum stacks.
- Soil capping and appropriate vegetation significantly enhance the ecological recovery of phosphogypsum disposal sites.
