The First Inventory of Sardinian Mining Vascular Flora

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Botany
• Ecology

Background:

• Mining waste causes significant soil, water, and air contamination.
• Metallophytes are plants adapted to survive in metal-enriched, nutrient-poor environments.
• Abandoned mining sites present unique ecological challenges and opportunities for bioremediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify metallophytes in Sardinia's abandoned mining sites.
• To assess the potential of these metallophytes for phytoremediation.
• To understand the biodiversity and conservation needs of these unique ecosystems.

Main Methods:

• Compilation of a floristic checklist using literature review.
• Conducting field surveys across abandoned mining sites.
• Analysis of herbarium samples to identify vascular flora and metallophytes.

Main Results:

• 652 vascular plant taxa were identified, with 49% being metallophytes.
• 27% of metallophytes showed potential for phytostabilization.
• 20% of metallophytes exhibited potential for phytoextraction, with many being facultative species.

Conclusions:

• Native metallophytes can play a crucial role in the ecological restoration of mining sites.
• Specific metallophyte species show promise for phytoremediation strategies like phytostabilization and phytoextraction.
• Conservation of endemic and endangered species is vital, alongside managing potential invasive species.