Aided Phytostabilization of Mine Waste

Abstract

Mining activities are major sources of metallic contamination worldwide. The dissemination and transport of mine tailings and spoils, characterized by a lack of organic matter and nutrients, high acidity and sulfide minerals content, containing potentially toxic metals and metalloids, may cause massive environmental degradation, water and soil contamination, biodiversity loss, and health risks to humans. Aided phytostabilization is being proposed as a suitable strategy to decrease environmental risks by integrating application of adequate amendments with revegetation. In this technique, metals bioavailability can be reduced by the application of a range of soil ameliorants (e.g., biochar, organic residues). A vegetation cover (with tolerant plant species), supported by the amended soil, further improves the soil characteristics boosted by the increased soil organic matter and biological activity. In this context, a range of aided phytostabilization systems are reviewed and discussed toward their effect on soil chemical and biological parameters and plant parameters with the aim to identify challenges and opportunities.