Maurya, Pankaj and Masto, Reginald Ebhin and Agarwalla, Hridesh (2025) Tree species influence on heavy metals content in degraded mining soils: Environmental impact and remediation strategies. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 141.

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Restoring environmental and ecological health in post-mining landscapes requires effective mitigation of heavy metals (HMs) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Examining the impact of topography and vegetation, particularly trees, on the spatial distribution of PTEs, can help develop site-specific reclamation strategies aimed at minimizing their toxicity. This research study investigated the impact of topographical locations and the nature of tree species (Leucaena leucocephala, Senna siamea and Azadirachta indica) on the total and bioavailable concentrations of PTEs in soils from a reclaimed overburden dump in the Jharia coalfield region, India. Findings revealed elevated levels of Cr (315 ± 27.90 mg/kg), Cd (1.62 ± 0.13 mg/kg), and Zn (140 ± 32.20 mg/kg) across the mine soil, suggesting potential environmental risks. This was confirmed by a higher geo-accumulation index value (Igeo) and contamination factor value (Cf). Despite these elevated total concentrations, the bioavailable fractions remained relatively low, with Cd ranging from 2.92 to 11.46 %, Cr from 0.10 to 0.22 %, and Zn from 5.15 to 22.4 %. The overall pollution load index (PLI) was significantly affected by the tree species but not by the topography. Specifically, L. Leucocephala (0.955) exhibited a low PLI, followed by S. siamea (1.014) and A. indica (1.074). These findings reveal the influential role of tree species in shaping the total concentration and bioavailability of PTEs in soils impacted by mining activities. To control the off-site movement of PTEs from overburden heaps, peripheral trenches may be established. These trenches can be selectively vegetated with L. leucocephala for phytoremediation due to its tolerance to harsh conditions.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	opography Leucaena leucocephala Bioavailable Potentially toxic elements Pollution load index
Subjects:	Enviornmental Management
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Mr. B. R. Panduranga
Date Deposited:	16 Sep 2025 04:08
Last Modified:	16 Sep 2025 04:08
URI:	http://cimfr.csircentral.net/id/eprint/2889

Actions (login required)

View Item