Gold phytoextraction and mining-degraded soil reclamation

Abstract

Gold phytoextraction is a technology used to obtain this metal (Au) throughout plants. Some of the benefits of this technology are the mitigation of the environmental impact, the fact that it does not imply the constant use of pollutants, and has the ability to promote soil reclamation. The aim of this research was to determine if Brachiaria decumbens has the potential to improve soil physical properties while had achieved a gold extraction. For this purpose, Helianthus annuus and Brachiaria decumbens, were used in a completely randomized design with four replicates. To induce gold uptake, ammonium thiocyanate was applied to plants. The statistical analysis was performed using the R-Studio software. Finally, it became evident that B. decumbens is a gold extractor plant, which also improves the soil physical qualities and compared to H. annuus and present higher concentrations of gold than the latter (P<0.05). The dose and mode of application of ammonium thiocyanate, modulates the gold absorption process since it causes toxicity in plants.

Keywords

• Absorption
• aggregates
• transpiration
• roots