Scientific African (Nov 2020)
Guidelines for a phytomanagement plan by the phytostabilization of mining wastes
Abstract
Mine wastes can result in severe pollution and have unaesthetic impacts on the local environment and negative repercussions on human health. Currently, phytomanagement plans provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution for stabilizing these wastes. This approach remains challenging due to uncertainties about plant species selection, their management, the inimical characteristics of metalliferous, low nutrient status, and poor soil physical structure. Therefore, we are proposing guidelines for the phytomanagement of mine wastes. It is a new concept, still very rarely used especially in Morocco.This review is divided into two mains sections: the first section is a non-exhaustive literature review of the available stabilization methods. The second is a detailed methodology in order to successfully implement a phytomanagement plan for mining waste storage facilities.The methodology entails performing an overall screening of the local flora, followed by an appropriate flora selection according to botanical criteria. The second selection is done according to the availability of the genetic material (seeds) in the field and their germination performance. Field trials are crucial to finalize the promising plant list. Eventually, the valorization of produced biomass should be identified according to the concentration of heavy metals in different parts of the selected plants. The performance criteria of these plants were determined, so that corrective action may be taken if necessary.Through this review, we conducted a detailed analysis of this approach and demonstrated its usefulness and benefits over the long term. We showed that the floristic study is a crucial step to select suitable plants for the phytomanagement plan of the mining wastes. Importantly, this review provide evidence that the phytomanagement process is a cost-effective and sustainable solution for stabilizing mining wastes
