Determination of phytoextraction potential of plant speciesfor toxic elements i...

• Author(s): Freitas, M. C. ; Pacheco, A. M. G. ; Anawar, H. M. ; Dionísio, I. ; Dung, H. M. ; Canha, N. ; Bettencourt, A. ; Henriques, F. ; Pinto-Gomes, Carlos ; Capelo, Sofia
• Date: 2009
• Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10174/6882
• Origin: Repositório Científico da Universidade de Évora
• Subject(s): k0-INAA; Environmental remediation; Iberian pyrite belt; Mainland Portugal; Phytostabilisation potential; São Domingos mine; Sulphide-mining areas; Toxic elements; Vascular plants; Agrostis castellana; Erica andevalensis; Juncus acutus
• Document Type: Article
• Language: Portuguese

Description

This study has determined contamination levels in soils and plants from the Sa˜o Domingos mining area, Portugal, by k0-INAA. Total concentrations of As, Sb, Cr, Hg, Cu, Zn and Fe in soils were very high, exceeding the maximum limits in Portuguese legislation. Concentrations of toxic elements like As, Sb and Zn were highest in roots of Erica andevalensis, Juncus acutus, Agrostis castellana and Nicotiana glauca. Additionally, As, Br, Cr, Fe, Sb and Zn in all organs of most plants were above toxicity levels. Those species that accumulated relatively high concentrations of toxic elements in roots (and tops) may be cultivated for phytostabilisation of similar areas.