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Soil characterization and differential patterns of heavy metal accumulation in woody plants grown in coal gangue wastelands in Shaanxi, China

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Abstract

Soil contamination by heavy metals in coal mine wastelands is a significant environmental issue in most developing countries. The purpose of this study is to evaluate contamination characteristics in the coal mine wastelands of Sanlidong coal mine, Tongchuan, China. To achieve this goal, we conducted field sampling work, followed by further analysis of the properties of soil contamination and accumulation characteristics in woody plants. At this site, the pH value ranged from 4.41 to 7.88, and the nutrient content of the soil rose gradually with the time after deposition due to the weathering effect improving the soil quality. Meanwhile, the levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn gradually decreased with the passage time. Generally, heavy metal contamination was found to be more serious in the discharge refuse area, with Cd contamination at moderate or heavy levels; Ni, Zn, and Cu contamination at light levels; and with no Cr contamination. The geoaccumulation index (I geo) was highest for Cd (2.38–3.14), followed by Ni, Zn, Cu, and Cr. Heavy metals accumulated on the lower slopes and spread to the surrounding areas via hydrodynamic effects and wind. According to transfer and enrichment coefficient analyses, Robinia pseudoacacia, Ulmus pumila, and Hippophae rhamnoides with considerable biomass could be used as pollution-resistant tree species for vegetation restoration. This study provided a theoretical basis for the restoration of the ecological environment in the mining area. This report described a link between heavy metal contamination of soils and growth dynamics of woody plants in China.

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Acknowledgments

This research work is partially supported by Forestry Industry Research Special Funds for Public Welfare Projects (201104001–4).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Xinong Road 26, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China

    Shi Yakun & Mu Xingmin

  2. Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling, 712100, China

    Mu Xingmin

  3. College of Natural Resource and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China

    Li Kairong

  4. Institute of Agro-biotechnology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China

    Shao Hongbo

  5. Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China

    Shao Hongbo

Authors
  1. Shi Yakun
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  2. Mu Xingmin
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  3. Li Kairong
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  4. Shao Hongbo
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Correspondence to Mu Xingmin or Shao Hongbo.

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Responsible editor: Elena Maestri

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Yakun, S., Xingmin, M., Kairong, L. et al. Soil characterization and differential patterns of heavy metal accumulation in woody plants grown in coal gangue wastelands in Shaanxi, China. Environ Sci Pollut Res 23, 13489–13497 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-6432-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-6432-8

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