Biological Characteristics of “Wartowice” Post-Flotation Tailings Pond (Lower Silesia, Poland)

Abstract

"Wartowice" tailings pond was closed in 1989, resulting in 232,4 ha tailings pile requiring reclamation. The major problem is heavy metals presence and poor nutrient conditions and physicochemical structure of soil which disturbs the plants development. In order to assess the real condition of studied area the complete biological characteristic has been done. The physicochemical conditions were assessed altogether with phytosociological, microbiological and toxicological studies of deposits. We recorded only 27 species of vascular plants belonging to 15 families on the tailings pond of which 5 belong to Rosaceae, 4 to Asteraceae and 3 to Poaceae and Saliceae. Species inhabiting the tailings depended on their dispersal capacity, metal tolerance and rhizome strategy. Microbiological analyses revealed the low number of bacteria and fungi on the tailings pond, apart from the small uplift area where the plants were indentifi ed. Bacteria identifi ed on the tailings pond were classifi ed to 8 genera. The low number of bacteria suggests the lack of nutrients which affects the development of soil microfl ora. Toxicity tests showed that post-fl otation sludge is not toxic to microorganisms because of its high pH. Some plants, such as lucerne could even infl uence positively the microorganisms development what has been proved in our studies. The tailings toxicity was higher towards producers, where Secale cereale appeared to be the most sensitive species. Amendment with topsoil from adjacent areas can infl uence positively the phytotoxic properties of tailings and enrich them into native seeds.

Heavy metal and nutrient uptake in plants colonizing post-flotation copper tailings

“…Establishing vegetation on abandoned metalliferous wastes is usually difficult because these artificial habitats create unfavorable conditions for plant growth. They are characterized by poor physical properties of substrate with unsuitable air-water conditions, high content of toxic metals, salinity, low fertility, and microbial activity (Forsberg 2008 ; Neuschütz 2009 ; Sheoran et al 2010 ; Rybak et al 2014 ). As a result, these wastelands are often devoid of any vegetation or have only sparse plant cover and are unable to create sustaining and healthy ecosystems.…”

Evaluation of the possibility of phytostabilization of post-flotation tailing ponds

“…In the pond, one detected the presence of only bacteria and fungi. The number of bacteria in the layer to the depth of 10 cm was 1000-fold (29 000 cfu/g) higher in comparison to fungi (68 cfu/g), while in the deeper layer to the depth of 20-30 cm, the number of fungi was an order of magnitude higher than that for bacteria (23 500 cfu/g) and accounted for 310 000 cfu/g [19]. The result of the prevailing conditions is the lack of plants capable of existence in unfavorable conditions.…”

Phytostabilisation of tailing ponds with use of water absorbing geocomposites and organic and mineral additives

“…As a result, 30 million m 3 of tailings were generated and then were stored in open-air tailing ponds. Because of their physical and chemical properties, these ponds are difficult to reclaim [1]. The copper deposits contaminate plants in adjacent areas and ground waters with heavy metals which may pose a direct risk to human health.…”