title: Phytoextraction from mine spoils: insights from New Caledonia.
abstract: Increasing pressure on mineral resources has drawn research efforts into innovative supply and recycling. Metal-rich biomass produced in phytoextraction recently proved an interesting starting material for green chemistry. It allows the production of new catalysts, referred to as ecocatalysts. Ecocatalysts provide increased yields in chemical production and increased regio- and chemo-selectivity, which result in high added value. This new approach to using metal-rich biomass could spur the development of phytoextraction, a technique considered promising for long, yet without credible economic outlets. In this regard, metallophyte biodiversity hotspots, such as New Caledonia, are of particular interest for biomass supply. Potential phytoextraction from mine spoils using two species endemic to New Caledonia is discussed here. Geissois pruinosa, a hypernickelophore, and Grevillea exul, a Mn accumulator, were selected for these original experiments. The results presented here 20 months after plantation of young trees from a nursery show the interest of the approach. Mean Ni concentrations of up to 1513 mg kg(-1) are reported in G. pruinosa, as well as 2000 mg kg(-1) Mn in G. exul. Concentrations of Ni and Mn in the leaves of each species appear to be correlated with leaf age. Plantation of these species may also ensure mine reclamation, and experiments were conducted with the principles of ecological restoration in mind adding a further dimension to the approach.
authors.affiliation: FRE 3673-Bioinspired chemistry and ecological innovation-CNRS, University of Montpellier 2, Stratoz-Cap Alpha, Avenue de l'Europe, 34830, Clapiers, France.
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Losfeld
authors.forename: Romain
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mathieu
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: L'Huillier
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fogliani
authors.forename: Tanguy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jaffré
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Grison
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002384:Catalysis; D055772:Green Chemistry Technology / Q000379:methods*; D008345:Manganese / Q000032:analysis / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D008906:Mining / Q000379:methods*; D009510:New Caledonia; D009532:Nickel / Q000032:analysis / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000378:metabolism; D014197:Trees / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D008345:Manganese; D009532:Nickel