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Chapter 8 The power of plants in cleaning and stabilising potentially toxic elements in mine-contaminated soils

  • Albert Kobina Mensah , Emmanuel Amoakwah and Ephraim Sekyi-Annan
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Soil Pollution and Remediation
This chapter is in the book Soil Pollution and Remediation

Abstract

This study provides a current review of the impact and presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the environment as they pertain to mining operations. The study emphasizes the origins of PTEs, including both natural and anthropogenic processes, as well as the possible health hazards that may result from their release into the atmosphere, water, and soil. The study also presents the impacts of PTEs like arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, antimony, selenium, and thallium on human health, including the onset of diverse tumors and neurological disorders. We emphasize the importance of implementing strategies to mitigate PTE contamination to protect the health of humans, plants, and animals. Additionally, we examine and explain in detail the significance of soil biogeochemical or governing factors, which affect the mobilization of potentially toxic elements in mine-contaminated soils. Furthermore, these parameters assist the scientist or the project manager in determining which remediation and mitigation strategies are most suitable for the contaminated site. In particular, it elucidates how soil pH affects the toxicity and behavior of metal and non-metal species. It explains that lower pH levels enhance the mobility of cationic trace elements, while higher pH levels increase the mobility of anionic species. This review thoroughly elaborates on the significance of soil redox chemistry in relation to the mobility and solubility of trace elements, particularly in the presence of inundation. Furthermore, this study examines the effect of redox conditions on PTE transport in flooded soils and aquatic environments. Ultimately, we argue compelling justifications for eco-friendly alternatives, revegetation, phytocleaning of PTEs, and restoration of contaminated mine sites.

Abstract

This study provides a current review of the impact and presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the environment as they pertain to mining operations. The study emphasizes the origins of PTEs, including both natural and anthropogenic processes, as well as the possible health hazards that may result from their release into the atmosphere, water, and soil. The study also presents the impacts of PTEs like arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, antimony, selenium, and thallium on human health, including the onset of diverse tumors and neurological disorders. We emphasize the importance of implementing strategies to mitigate PTE contamination to protect the health of humans, plants, and animals. Additionally, we examine and explain in detail the significance of soil biogeochemical or governing factors, which affect the mobilization of potentially toxic elements in mine-contaminated soils. Furthermore, these parameters assist the scientist or the project manager in determining which remediation and mitigation strategies are most suitable for the contaminated site. In particular, it elucidates how soil pH affects the toxicity and behavior of metal and non-metal species. It explains that lower pH levels enhance the mobility of cationic trace elements, while higher pH levels increase the mobility of anionic species. This review thoroughly elaborates on the significance of soil redox chemistry in relation to the mobility and solubility of trace elements, particularly in the presence of inundation. Furthermore, this study examines the effect of redox conditions on PTE transport in flooded soils and aquatic environments. Ultimately, we argue compelling justifications for eco-friendly alternatives, revegetation, phytocleaning of PTEs, and restoration of contaminated mine sites.

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Preface VII
  3. Aknowledgments IX
  4. Contents XI
  5. Chapter 1 Evolution of land reclamation practices and introducing mine land degradation and revegetation in Ghana 1
  6. Chapter 2 Methods used in soil and human health risk assessment 29
  7. Chapter 3 Identifying risks using sequential extraction analyses, size fractionation, and acid neutralization capacity experiments 49
  8. Chapter 4 Risk identification using remediation incubation experiments, redox microcosm, geospatial analyses, and synchrotron radiation science 67
  9. Chapter 5 Impacts of mining on soil quality 83
  10. Chapter 6 Topsoil and its management during stockpiling 93
  11. Chapter 7 Effects of mining on the accumulation and pollution with potentially toxic elements 101
  12. Chapter 8 The power of plants in cleaning and stabilising potentially toxic elements in mine-contaminated soils 111
  13. Chapter 9 Achieving mining sector sustainability 143
  14. Chapter 10 Rehabilitation and restoration of degraded mined sites and soils 159
  15. Chapter 11 Case studies in mine land revegetation and remediation employing various approaches 171
  16. Chapter 12 Plant species used in revegetation and their corresponding impacts 189
  17. Chapter 13 Concurrent rehabilitation/revegetation 203
  18. Chapter 14 Arsenic in a highly contaminated gold mine spoil in Ghana: mobilization and potential of soil amendments to reduce the watersoluble arsenic content and improve soil quality 217
  19. Chapter 15 Significance of revegetation of degraded mining sites 239
  20. Measuring and monitoring success of post-reclamation efforts 259
  21. Chapter 17 Critical factors for driving successful restoration of degraded mine lands 273
  22. Chapter 18 Management of restored mine sites 291
  23. Chapter 19 The challenges and strategies for post-mine land restoration efforts in Ghana 301
  24. Chapter 20 A best-fit conceptual framework to enhance phytoremediation scaling 315
  25. Chapter 21 Phytostabilization of Co, Hg, Mo, and Ni by ryegrass with manure and iron oxides reduced environmental concerns 335
  26. Chapter 22 Identifying research gaps for future reclamation studies 363
  27. Chapter 23 General conclusions and summaries 373
  28. References 385
  29. Index 447
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111662046-008

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Preface VII
  3. Aknowledgments IX
  4. Contents XI
  5. Chapter 1 Evolution of land reclamation practices and introducing mine land degradation and revegetation in Ghana 1
  6. Chapter 2 Methods used in soil and human health risk assessment 29
  7. Chapter 3 Identifying risks using sequential extraction analyses, size fractionation, and acid neutralization capacity experiments 49
  8. Chapter 4 Risk identification using remediation incubation experiments, redox microcosm, geospatial analyses, and synchrotron radiation science 67
  9. Chapter 5 Impacts of mining on soil quality 83
  10. Chapter 6 Topsoil and its management during stockpiling 93
  11. Chapter 7 Effects of mining on the accumulation and pollution with potentially toxic elements 101
  12. Chapter 8 The power of plants in cleaning and stabilising potentially toxic elements in mine-contaminated soils 111
  13. Chapter 9 Achieving mining sector sustainability 143
  14. Chapter 10 Rehabilitation and restoration of degraded mined sites and soils 159
  15. Chapter 11 Case studies in mine land revegetation and remediation employing various approaches 171
  16. Chapter 12 Plant species used in revegetation and their corresponding impacts 189
  17. Chapter 13 Concurrent rehabilitation/revegetation 203
  18. Chapter 14 Arsenic in a highly contaminated gold mine spoil in Ghana: mobilization and potential of soil amendments to reduce the watersoluble arsenic content and improve soil quality 217
  19. Chapter 15 Significance of revegetation of degraded mining sites 239
  20. Measuring and monitoring success of post-reclamation efforts 259
  21. Chapter 17 Critical factors for driving successful restoration of degraded mine lands 273
  22. Chapter 18 Management of restored mine sites 291
  23. Chapter 19 The challenges and strategies for post-mine land restoration efforts in Ghana 301
  24. Chapter 20 A best-fit conceptual framework to enhance phytoremediation scaling 315
  25. Chapter 21 Phytostabilization of Co, Hg, Mo, and Ni by ryegrass with manure and iron oxides reduced environmental concerns 335
  26. Chapter 22 Identifying research gaps for future reclamation studies 363
  27. Chapter 23 General conclusions and summaries 373
  28. References 385
  29. Index 447
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