Phytostabilization potential of Pb mine tailings by two grass species, Thysanolaena maxima and Vetiveria zizanioides

Abstract

Pot and field experiments were conducted to elucidate the phytostabilization potential of two grass species (Thysanolaena maxima and Vetiveria zizanioides) with respect to lead (Pb) tailing soil. Three fertilizers (Osmocote® fertilizer, cow manure, and organic fertilizer) were used to improve the physicochemical properties of tailing soil. V. zizanioides treated with organic fertilizer and cow manure showed the highest biomass (14.0±2.6 and 10.5±2.6 g per plant, respectively) and the highest Pb uptake in the organic fertilizer treatment (T. maxima, 413.3 μg per plant; V. zizanioides, 519.5 μg per plant) in the pot study, whereas in field trials, T. maxima attained the best performances of dry biomass production (217.0 ±57.9 g per plant) and Pb uptake (32.1mg per plant) in the Osmocote® treatment. In addition, both grasses showed low translocation factor (<1) values and bioconcentration coefficients for root (>1). During a 1-year field trial, T. maxima also produced the longest shoot (103.9±29.7 cm), followed by V. zizanioides (70.6±16.8 cm), in Osmocote® treatment. Both grass species showed potential as excluder plants suitable for phytostabilization applications in Pbcontaminated areas. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013.