PDF Lottermoser_et_...pdf | Request a copy Full text restricted Available under University of Tasmania Standard License.

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the uptake of elements (Ag, Al, As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb,
P, S, Sb, Tl, U, W, Zn) by native gorse (Ulex europaeus) and heather (Calluna vulgaris), growing on abandoned
tailings, Carnon Valley, Cornwall, UK. The metalliferous tailings are particularly As-rich (0.11–0.59 wt%
As) and contain acid-generating sulfides (pH 3.36–6.59). Since abandonment three decades ago, gorse and
heather have colonized much of the exposed tailings surface. Biogeochemical analyses demonstrate that
gorse and heather are opportunistic, pioneering metallophytes that have the ability to exclude metals
and As from their above-ground biomass. Concentrations of trace elements in gorse and heather were
evaluated in terms of maximum tolerable levels in the feed of rodents and horses. The analyses revealed
that gorse and heather do not accumulate large quantities of trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn)
in their tissue, preventing harmful effects on rabbits feeding on them and transfers of trace metals and As
into the developing wildlife food chains. This study demonstrates that (a) biogeochemical examinations
of abandoned mined lands can reveal pioneering, metal-excluding plants; and (b) abandonment and
benevolent neglect of mined lands can lead to the successful development of sustainable vegetation
covers over mine wastes in the long term.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Lottermoser, BG and Glass, HJ and Page, CN
Journal or Publication Title:	Ecological Engineering
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2011.03.002
Additional Information:	The definitive version is available at http://www.sciencedirect.com
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

Actions (login required)

Item Control Page