The accumulation and translocation of As,
Cu, Pb and Zn in different Cistus ladanifer L.
populations colonizing mine areas of Brancanes,
Sao Domingos, Chanca and Caveira
(Portuguese Iberian Pyrite Belt) and two control
areas (Caldeirao and Pomarao) was
evaluated. Soils from Sao Domingos and
Caveira presented the greatest total concentrations of As, Cu and Pb. Brancanes and
Chanca mine areas might be considered in
natural attenuation processes relatively to the
past mining activity that cessed about one
century ago.
Plants are, except those from Caveira mine
area, Zn accumulators. The concentration of
Pb in plants (aerial part) from the control and
Sao Domingos areas are within the range
considered phytotoxic. Trace elements concentrations
in plants are below the domestic
animal toxicity limits. Cistus ladanifer might
be used in phytostabilization programs of
other mine areas as trace elements concentrations
in soils did not influence the behaviour
of the different plant population
