Accumulation of metals by naturally growing herbaceous and tree species in iron ore tailings

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify pioneering species that naturally colonize Fe tailings and accumulation of heavy metals. Total, bioavailable, acid extractable and water‐soluble fractions were studied. After the second year onwards, along with nine herbaceous pioneering species, four tree species (Teactona grandis, Alstonia scholaris, Azadirachta indica and Peltaphorum) were found growing naturally. The study shows that some species could accumulate relatively high metal concentrations indicating internal detoxification of metals. The study revealed that T. grandis accumulated a higher concentration of metals than A. scholaris in the Fe tailings, but all concentrations were within the normal range. Native naturally colonizing plant species may be used for the bioremediation of iron tailings as initial cover species to stabilize and reduce erosion. The findings concluded that metal content in Fe tailings would not affect the natural establishment and growth of tree species; rather that higher Fe content promotes luxurious growth.

Keywords:

• Fe tailings
• Natural vegetation
• Teactona grandis
• Bioaccumulation

Acknowledgements

We thank TISCO, Noamundi for supplying the Fe‐ore tailings and MOEF, New Delhi for providing funds and fellowship to one of the author during the study. The authors are also grateful to HOC, CME and other SSO/TO for providing necessary help and analysing the samples in AAS.