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Determination of phytoextraction potential of plant species for toxic elements in soils of abandoned sulphide-mining areas

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Abstract

This study has determined contamination levels in soils and plants from the São Domingos mining area, Portugal, by k 0-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.

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Acknowledgements

Financial support by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) through research contract PTDC/AMB/65462/2006—HYPERAS is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unit of Reactors and Nuclear Safety – URSN-ITN, Technological and Nuclear Institute, E.N. 10, 2686-953, Sacavém, Portugal

    M. C. Freitas, H. M. Anawar, I. Dionísio, H. M. Dung & N. Canha

  2. Centre for Studies in Natural Resources and Environment – CERENA-IST, Technical University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal

    A. M. G. Pacheco

  3. Centre for Marine Science and Environment – CMA-IMAR, University of Évora, R. Romão Ramalho 59, 7000-671, Évora, Portugal

    A. Bettencourt & S. Capelo

  4. Faculty of Science and Technology – Plant Biology Unit, New University of Lisbon, 2825-114, Monte da Caparica, Portugal

    F. Henriques

  5. Institute of Mediterranean Agrarian Sciences – ICAM, University of Évora, R. Romão Ramalho 59, 7000-671, Évora, Portugal

    C. J. Pinto-Gomes

Authors
  1. M. C. Freitas
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  2. A. M. G. Pacheco
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  3. H. M. Anawar
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  4. I. Dionísio
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  5. H. M. Dung
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  6. N. Canha
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  7. A. Bettencourt
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  8. F. Henriques
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  9. C. J. Pinto-Gomes
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  10. S. Capelo
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. M. G. Pacheco.

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Freitas, M.C., Pacheco, A.M.G., Anawar, H.M. et al. Determination of phytoextraction potential of plant species for toxic elements in soils of abandoned sulphide-mining areas. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 282, 21–27 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-0222-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-0222-4

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