5 research outputs found
Drought resistance of native pioneer species indicates potential suitability for restoration of post-mining areas
In order to test whether invasive exotic species, predominantly used for
restoring post-mining areas in north-eastern Vietnam, may be replaced by
ecologically superior native pioneer species, we conducted a drought stress
experiment in a greenhouse. We hypothesized that juvenile individuals of four
native pioneer tree and two native pioneer grass species have a drought
resistance comparable to two exotic reference species. Our results confirm
this hypothesis: even under drought, native trees had a higher biomass and
root : shoot ratio than exotic trees, although their maximum relative elongation
rate and biomass were reduced more strongly than for exotic trees with
respect to well-watered conditions. Native grasses had a higher root length
density and a similar drought-induced reduction of stomatal conductance
compared to exotic trees. In spite of a higher biomass reduction, native
grasses produced more biomass under drought in absolute terms.
Notwithstanding that further investigations of other adverse environmental
factors need to be performed, our results indicate with respect to drought
resistance that native pioneer species are a potential alternative to exotic
species for the ecological restoration of subtropical post-mining areas,
which may accelerate secondary succession
Phytoremediation of Abandoned Crude Oil Contaminated Drill Sites of Assam with the Aid of a Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacterial Formulation
Assessing the ecotoxicity of gold mine tailings utilizing earthworm and microbial assays
Problems associated with mining are the disposal
of wastes on tailing disposal facilities (TDFs). The
aim of this study was to determine the ecotoxicity of
gold mine tailings by using earthworm bioassays, earthworm
biomarkers and enzymatic analyses. End points
included changes in biomass, reproduction, lysosomal
membrane stability, tissue metal concentrations, and
selected enzymatic activities. Results indicated high
concentrations of Ni in the material as well as bioaccumulation
of lead and arsenic in the earthworm body
tissue after exposure. Enzymatic activity was higher in
revegetated tailings than in unrehabilitated tailings. It
was concluded that TDF and surrounding areas have an
acidic pH which affects earthworms and metal bioavailability.
Soil enzymatic activities were a sensitive indicator
of metal pollution in mining areas. Growth, reproduction
and lysosomal membrane stability of earthworms
have also been shown to be sensitive end points
to assess the ecotoxic effects of gold TD