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

Abstract

The effect of organic fertilization and microbiological preparations for phytostabilization of copper ore tailings were examined. It has been shown that the introduction of the pulp, waste from the sugar industry, leads to the mobilization of trace metals. The copper content in aqueous extract of enriched waste was greater than 500-fold higher than in controls. It has also been stated an increase in the toxicity of extracts. While the use of biopreparations for seed treatment contributed to the stimulation of nutrients uptake by plants. In the biomass of plants from treated seeds with a suspension of Azotobacter strain EK, and biosurfactant was found more phosphorus and calcium than in plants from control.

Studies of technogenic soils in Poland: past, present, and future perspectives

“…The copper ore mining and processing, beneficial for the economy of south-western Poland, also created one of the largest environmental issues for the region, related to the emissions from Cu smelters and various negative impacts of the tailing impoundments on soil environment Kabala et al, 2020). The tailings stored in several impoundments, due to their low water capacity, low fertility, high alkalinity and high concentration of residual trace metals, are extremely unfavourable for living organisms (Chodak et al, 2005;Gawron et al, 2007;Krawczyńska et al, 2015;Kasowska et al, 2018). Thus, several attempts were undertaken to improve the tailings physical and chemical properties, aimed to accelerate their biological reclamation, using various kinds of organic substrates, including sewage sludge and geocomposites (Karczewska and Milko, 2010;Karczewska et al, 2011Karczewska et al, , 2013Gersztyn and Karczewska, 2012;Kordas and Tasz, 2012;Spiak et al, 2012;Gersztyn et al, 2013;Marczyk et al, 2013;Kuc et al, 2019).…”

Biological Stabilisation of Tailing Pond Coasts with Use of Mineral and Organic Substances and Water-Absorbing Geocomposites

“…One of the ways to reclaim this type of tailing pond is to use various types of mineral materials, such as rock aggregate and organic material obtained from forestry waste. When mixed with soil, these materials are supposed to improve its physical and biological properties, which in turn enhances the conditions for growth and development of reclamation plants [6][7][8][9]. Plants used in the phytoremediation process should have the following properties: tolerance to high concentrations of heavy metals in tailings and the capacity to accumulate them, and resistance to stress factors such as salinization, acidification, or nutrient deficits [10].…”