Biogeochemistry evaluation of soils and arbutus trees in the Panasqueira mine area

Abstract

Panasqueira mine is one of the most im­portant mines in Portugal. Over the last cen­tury exploration of tungsten, copper and tin has contributed to produce many waste ma­terials that constitute tailings with huge di­mensions generating high visual and chemi­cal impacts. The objective of this work was to study the biogeochemical impact of min­ing on the soils and arbutus trees (Arbutus unedo L.) in this area.

Soils developed on waste materials or hosted rocks are contaminated with (mg kg^-1) As (922), Cd (3), Cu (215), Pb (77), W (138) and Zn (260). In plants, cadmium is the only element that exceeded the vege­tation tolerant limit, but none of the sampled plants showed visual signs of toxicity. Ar­butus tree seems to be tolerant to the high soil concentrations (total and available frac­tion) of the hazardous elements. Therefore arbutus trees can be used in phytostabiliza­tion as a soil remediation strategy. Further studies could also allow the use of their fruits for alcohol production.