Tanacetum vulgare as a Bioindicator of Trace-Metal Contamination: A Study of a Naturally Colonized Open-Pit Lignite Mine

Abstract

We investigated the possibility of use of Tanacetum vulgare (tansy) as an ecological indicator of metal concentration in a naturally colonized open-pit lignite mine in Bełchatów (Poland). Tanacetum vulgare is the only species growing abundantly and spontaneously in the lignite mine waste dumps. Metal concentrations in roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and soil were measured in dump sites differing in type and time of reclamation and therefore differing in pollution levels. Tanacetum vulgare appeared to be an accumulator of chromium and iron in roots, whereas highest concentrations of manganese and zinc were found in leaves. A high bioaccumulation factor for cadmium (Cd) was observed in dumps and control sites, indicating that even small amounts of Cd in the environment may result in significant uptake by the plant. The lowest concentrations of metals were found in plants from sites situated on dumps reclaimed with argillaceous limestone.

Trace elements in the Fontinalis antipyretica from rivers receiving sewage of lignite and glass sand mining industry

“…3 ), which distinguished the F. antipyretica from the sites polluted with lignite industry sewage from that collected at the sites polluted with glass sand industry sewage. Elevated Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn levels in samples of this species influenced by lignite industry are confirmed by Sarris et al ( 2009 ), Suchara et al ( 2011 ) and Jasion et al ( 2013 ), all of whom reported these metals to be significantly accumulated in coal fly ashes emitted during lignite combustion. Elevated As, V and Fe levels in F. antipyretica influenced by glass sand industry sewage are in accordance with reports of Łuszczkiewicz ( 1987 ) and Muszer and Łuszczkiewicz ( 2006 ) on the Osiecznica deposit enriched with heavy minerals, including ilmenite, arsenopyrite, magnetite, hematite and pyrite.…”

Content of Zinc and Copper in Selected Plants Growing Along a Motorway

“…contain 13.8 mg kg −1 . The average concentration of copper in Tanacetum vulgare growing in the area of the Bełchatow Lignite Mine was more or less the same as the concentration in plants growing along main roads (Jasion et al 2013 ). According to framework guidelines for agriculture ( 1993 ), maximum limit for copper is 25 mg kg −1 .…”

Heavy Metals Uptake by Select Plant Species in the Landfill Area of Štěpánovice, Czech Republic

“…Tanacetum vulgare's wide distribution indicates high ecological plasticity in different environmental conditions [21]. The wider distribution of Lycopersicon esculentum in the landfill body explains its use as an indicator and the start of a comparative investigation of the accumulation capacity of both pieces.…”