Limitations for revegetation in lead/zinc minesoils (NW Spain)

Abstract

Purpose: Metal mining is the main cause of soil contamination caused by heavy metals. Mine tailings and minespoils generally offer hostile environments for plant growth due to their low nutrient availability, low organic matter content, and high trace metal content. This study was carried out with the aim of characterizing the soils that have developed on the tailings from an abandoned lead and zinc mine in Galicia (NW Spain) and determining the soil factors that limit revegetation. Materials and methods: We selected three zones: (a) the minespoils, (b) in the mining area, and (c) the settling pond, where the sludge from the flotation process was deposited. A control soil was also sampled outside of the mining area. We analyzed the physicochemical properties and metal levels in the mine spoil and soil samples we collected. Results and discussion: The results indicate that the main physical limitations of minesoils are their low effective depth, high porosity and stoniness, while the main chemical limitations are low organic matter content and low CEC and an imbalance between exchangeable cations. These minesoils are strongly affected by high Zn and Pb levels which hinder revegetation. Conclusions: As high concentrations of toxic trace elements and a high pH are important factors in limiting the plant growth, the restoration procedure must overcome the oxidation processes by adding organic amendments that also contribute towards fixing heavy metals or by implanting spontaneous vegetation adapted to the mine conditions, such as common broom (Cytisus scoparius) or white birch (Betula celtiberica). © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.