Evaluation of the phytostabilisation efficiency in a trace elements contaminated soil using soil health indicators.
The efficiency of a remediation strategy was evaluated in a mine soil highly contaminated with trace elements (TEs) by microbiological, ecotoxicological and physicochemical parameters of the soil and soil solution (extracted in situ), as a novel and integrative methodology for assessing recovery of soil health. A 2.5-year field phytostabilisation experiment was carried out using olive mill-waste compost, pig slurry and hydrated lime as amendments, and a native halophytic shrub (Atriplex halimus L.). Comparing with non-treated soil, the addition of the amendments increased soil pH and reduced TEs availability, favoured the development of a sustainable vegetation cover (especially the organic materials), stimulated soil microorganisms (increasing microbial biomass, activity and functional diversity, and reducing stress) and reduced direct and indirect soil toxicity (i.e., its potential associated risks). Therefore, under semi-arid conditions, the use of compost and pig slurry with A. halimus is an effective phytostabilisation strategy to improve soil health of nutrient-poor soils with high TEs concentrations, by improving the habitat function of the soil ecosystem, the reactivation of the biogeochemical cycles of essential nutrients, and the reduction of TEs dissemination and their environmental impact.
Department of Soil and Water Conservation and Organic Waste Management, CEBAS-CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, P.O. Box 165, 30100 Murcia, Spain. Electronic address: tpardo@cebas.csic.es.
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Pardo
Department of Soil and Water Conservation and Organic Waste Management, CEBAS-CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, P.O. Box 165, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
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Clemente
Department of Ecology and Natural Resources, Soil Microbial Ecology Group, NEIKER-TECNALIA, Berreaga 1, 48160 Derio, Spain.
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Epelde
Department of Ecology and Natural Resources, Soil Microbial Ecology Group, NEIKER-TECNALIA, Berreaga 1, 48160 Derio, Spain.
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Garbisu
Department of Soil and Water Conservation and Organic Waste Management, CEBAS-CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, P.O. Box 165, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
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Bernal
D027466:Atriplex / Q000254:growth & development*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D018533:Biomass; D005308:Fertilizers; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D005308:Fertilizers; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014131:Trace Elements
Arsenic; Ecotoxicological bioassays; Heavy metals; Organic amendments; Soil functional diversity