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A Review on Phytoremediation of Decommissioned Mines and Quarries in Ontario: A Sustainable Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Karen Koornneef

    (Department of Sustainability Sciences/Biology, Lakehead University Orillia Campus, Orillia, ON L3V0B9, Canada)

  • Sreekumari Kurissery

    (Department of Sustainability Sciences/Biology, Lakehead University Orillia Campus, Orillia, ON L3V0B9, Canada)

  • Nandakumar Kanavillil

    (Department of Sustainability Sciences/Biology, Lakehead University Orillia Campus, Orillia, ON L3V0B9, Canada)

Abstract

Abandoned pits and quarries in Ontario, Canada, are on the rise due to industrialization, leading to ecosystem disruption and soil contamination with pollutants such as cadmium, cobalt, nickel, and barium, which may leach into nearby water systems. Current rehabilitation processes are slow to initiate, and therefore, the site remains in a contaminated condition for years. Phytoremediation, which involves using plants to remove contaminants from soils, is receiving increased attention for cleaning up decommissioned mines. This type of rehabilitation is normally practiced in situ by hand-planted and managed vegetation chosen for the specific purpose of contaminant removal. This study investigated the phytoremediation potential of indigenous plants as local seed sources to rehabilitate decommissioned quarries in Ontario. This study also investigated the potential of native plants to naturalize in the disturbed areas, thus providing a natural clean-up of the contaminants. Thus, if successful, this process will also initiate the re-establishment of native wildlife in the area. Through a literature review, 74 plant species were identified as capable of remediating 20 contaminants often found on the decommissioned quarry sites. The results may help ecosystem managers to adopt environmentally sustainable strategies to clean up contaminated sites such as decommissioned mines and quarry areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Karen Koornneef & Sreekumari Kurissery & Nandakumar Kanavillil, 2025. "A Review on Phytoremediation of Decommissioned Mines and Quarries in Ontario: A Sustainable Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-26, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:12:p:5475-:d:1678548
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karel Prach & Kl�ra Řehounkov� & Jiř� Řehounek & Petra Konvalinkov�, 2011. "Ecological Restoration of Central European Mining Sites: A Summary of a Multi-site Analysis," Landscape Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(2), pages 263-268, April.
    2. Siham Bouzekri & Hamza El Fadili & Moulay Laarabi El Hachimi & Mohammed El Mahi & El Mostapha Lotfi, 2020. "Assessment of trace metals contamination in sediment and surface water of quarry lakes from the abandoned Pb mine Zaida, High Moulouya-Morocco," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 22(7), pages 7013-7031, October.
    3. Agnieszka Dradrach & Anna Karczewska & Katarzyna Szopka & Karolina Lewińska, 2020. "Accumulation of Arsenic by Plants Growing in the Sites Strongly Contaminated by Historical Mining in the Sudetes Region of Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-16, May.
    4. Senad Murtić & Ćerima Zahirović & Hamdija Čivić & Emina Sijahović & Josip Jurković & Jasna Avdić & Emir Šahinović & Adnana Podrug, 2021. "Phytoaccumulation of heavy metals in native plants growing on soils in the Spreča river valley, Bosnia and Herzegovina," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 67(9), pages 533-540.
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