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Phytotoxicity and Metals Mobility Assessment in Mining Wastes Amended with Various Biochars

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  • Yassine Chafik

    (Laboratory of Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E), UR 1207/USC INRAE 1328, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Orleans, Rue de Chartres, 45067 Orleans Cedex 2, France
    Laboratory for the Improvement of Agricultural Production, Biotechnology and Environment (LAPABE), Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed First University, B.P. 717, Oujda 60000, Morocco)

  • Marta Sena-Velez

    (Laboratory of Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E), UR 1207/USC INRAE 1328, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Orleans, Rue de Chartres, 45067 Orleans Cedex 2, France)

  • Hugo Henaut

    (Laboratory of Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E), UR 1207/USC INRAE 1328, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Orleans, Rue de Chartres, 45067 Orleans Cedex 2, France)

  • Mohammed Oujdi

    (Laboratory for the Improvement of Agricultural Production, Biotechnology and Environment (LAPABE), Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed First University, B.P. 717, Oujda 60000, Morocco)

  • Alex Ceriani

    (Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Botany, Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, University of Insubria, via Monte Generoso, 71, 21100 Varese, Italy)

  • Sabine Carpin

    (Laboratory of Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E), UR 1207/USC INRAE 1328, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Orleans, Rue de Chartres, 45067 Orleans Cedex 2, France)

  • Domenico Morabito

    (Laboratory of Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E), UR 1207/USC INRAE 1328, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Orleans, Rue de Chartres, 45067 Orleans Cedex 2, France)

  • Sylvain Bourgerie

    (Laboratory of Physiology, Ecology and Environment (P2E), UR 1207/USC INRAE 1328, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Orleans, Rue de Chartres, 45067 Orleans Cedex 2, France)

Abstract

Mining activities often contaminate soils with heavy metals, generating environmental and health risks. This study investigates the ecotoxicity of muddy (Mw) and sandy (Sw) mining wastes on Phaseolus vulgaris and assesses the impact of five locally sourced biochar amendments on plant growth and soil pore water (SPW) properties. Most biochars improved water retention, except for argan nut shells (An) biochar, highlighting the importance of feedstock type. Sw supported better plant growth than Mw regardless of biochar addition, due to textural differences. Palm fronds (Pf) biochar significantly enhanced surface leaf area in Sw. SPW analysis revealed that biochar affected pH and electrical conductivity (EC) differently across soil types. Mw consistently increased pH, while Sw’s pH was biochar-dependent. A significant 5.1-fold EC increase was recorded in Sw amended with Pf. All biochars reduced Pb availability in Mw at planting, while Cu availability decreased in Sw at harvest. In Mw, Pb, Zn, and Cu, uptake and accumulation were unaffected by biochar, while a slight reduction was observed in Sw roots. A germination test with Lepidium sativum confirmed these findings, particularly the inhibition observed with An. This dual approach highlights the toxicity of mining soils and biochars’ potential as amendments for soil remediation programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Yassine Chafik & Marta Sena-Velez & Hugo Henaut & Mohammed Oujdi & Alex Ceriani & Sabine Carpin & Domenico Morabito & Sylvain Bourgerie, 2025. "Phytotoxicity and Metals Mobility Assessment in Mining Wastes Amended with Various Biochars," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:372-:d:1588638
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zenghui Sun & Ya Hu & Lei Shi & Gang Li & Zhe Pang & Siqi Liu & Yamiao Chen & Baobao Jia, 2022. "Effects of biochar on soil chemical properties: A global meta-analysis of agricultural soil," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 68(6), pages 272-289.
    2. Shi-Xiang Zhao & Na Ta & Xu-Dong Wang, 2017. "Effect of Temperature on the Structural and Physicochemical Properties of Biochar with Apple Tree Branches as Feedstock Material," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-15, August.
    3. A. Taraqqi-A-Kamal & Christopher J. Atkinson & Aimal Khan & Kaikai Zhang & Peng Sun & Sharmin Akther & Yanrong Zhang, 2021. "Biochar remediation of soil: linking biochar production with function in heavy metal contaminated soils," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 67(4), pages 183-201.
    4. Ruchita Dixit & Wasiullah & Deepti Malaviya & Kuppusamy Pandiyan & Udai B. Singh & Asha Sahu & Renu Shukla & Bhanu P. Singh & Jai P. Rai & Pawan Kumar Sharma & Harshad Lade & Diby Paul, 2015. "Bioremediation of Heavy Metals from Soil and Aquatic Environment: An Overview of Principles and Criteria of Fundamental Processes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(2), pages 1-24, February.
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