Improving the growth of Ni-hyperaccumulating plants in serpentine quarry tailings |
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| Authors: | Zahra Ghasemi Carmela Monterroso Petra S Kidd |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran;2. Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, Santiago de Compostela, Spain;3. Department of Soil Biochemistry, Instituto de Investigaciones Agrobiológicas de Galicia (IIAG), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain |
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| Abstract: | Phytomining techniques based on metal-hyperaccumulating plants can be implemented in serpentine quarry wastes for Ni recovery. However, strategies must be developed to overcome the unfavourable plant growth conditions that these substrates present and to optimize Ni yields. In this study, the Ni hyperaccumulators Alyssum serpyllifolium, Alyssum inflatum, and Alyssum bracteatum were evaluated for their Ni phytoextraction efficiency from quarry tailings. Effects of two organic amendments, composted municipal sewage sludge and cow manure, on plant growth and physiological status and Ni removal were determined. Organic amendments were incorporated at two addition rates (5% and 20% w/w). The best-performing hyperaccumulators were A. inflatum and A. serpyllifolium. Organic amendments improved plant biomass production, photosynthetic efficiency and nutrition, but reduced shoot Ni concentrations. However, the stimulation in biomass resulted in significantly enhanced Ni yields. The most promising results were found using low addition rates and after manure incorporation. |
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| Keywords: | Alyssum Ni hyperaccumulator organic amendment phytoextraction serpentine quarry |
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