Decision Pattern for Changing Polluted Areas into Recreational Places

Abstract

There are many enclaves in the Mediterranean basin with soils contaminated with heavy metal(loid)s, most of these in natural areas of great beauty that have suffered the consequences of industrial and mining activity for years. These soils pose a risk to human and animal health due to the transfer of metal(loid)s condemning these areas to isolation. The rehabilitation by means of phytoremediation is one of the most used techniques, but phytoremediation must be part of a comprehensive strategy of steps that guide owners and administrations in the recovery of ecosystem services. An easily replicable decision-making methodology is defined, considering the initial conditions, the preferences of the decision makers or typologies from among six possibilities and the different models of use, typified in 13 categories. As a result, a landscape is obtained that integrates phytostabilization and areas with recreational and/or educational uses. Two case studies from the southeast of Spain are presented as validation, a deposit of mining sludge residues and the channel of a river contaminated by industrial discharges. Both enclaves are included in the tourist and cultural offer of their area, thus achieving an environmental and socioeconomic benefit and have been visited by more than 1000 people in a two-year period.

Restoring Soil Cover and Plant Communities with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi as an Essential Component of DSS for Environmental Safety Management in Post-Industrial Landscapes

“…However, at the same time, the activity of mining and chemical enterprises is a determining factor of technogenesis, which significantly complicates the ecological situation in local areas with changes in landforms and hydrological and biogeochemical 2 of 22 regimes caused by the accumulation of significant waste on the ground. As a result, there are various environmental problems, primarily related to the pollution of numerous natural components of the environment-soil, water and vegetation-thus, the deteriorating health of the local population [1][2][3][4]. One of the industrial basins that has undergone intensive exploitation is the Pre-Carpathian sulfur-bearing basin.…”

“…The unregulated extraction of sulfur in the open area on the site of former sulfur deposits leads to damage to the natural landscape, the accumulation of human-made waste and pollution of soil and water bodies. The activity of mining and chemical enterprises of the region has led to many negative environmental consequences, in particular: 2240.0 hectares of disturbed and contaminated lands; 3 million tons of phosphogypsum, 71.5 million m 3 of flotation tailings and 13 million tons of saturated brines were accumulated; 950 sulfur production and drainage wells; 30 million m 3 of underground cavities; 38 karst failures [5][6][7][8].…”