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Phytostabilization of Heavy Metals and Fungal Community Response in Manganese Slag under the Mediation of Soil Amendments and Plants

Summary

This research shows that adding spent mushroom compost and a mineral amendment called attapulgite to contaminated mining waste, combined with planting a hardy tree species, significantly reduces heavy metal pollution. The tree and amendments work together by improving soil quality and promoting beneficial fungi that help stabilize harmful metals in the soil, preventing them from leaching into groundwater and surrounding ecosystems.

Background

Manganese mining operations generate large quantities of slag with high heavy metal concentrations and poor soil quality, creating severe environmental and ecological problems. Phytostabilization using plants and soil amendments offers an environmentally friendly approach to remediate these contaminated sites. Understanding the mechanisms by which amendments and plants affect heavy metal mobility and microbial communities is essential for improving remediation efficiency.

Objective

This study investigated the phytostabilization effects of Koelreuteria paniculata combined with spent mushroom compost (SMC) and attapulgite (ATP) amendments on manganese slag. The research aimed to determine how amendments and plant growth affect soil physicochemical properties, heavy metal distribution, and fungal community structure in contaminated manganese slag.

Results

Amendment application significantly improved pH, moisture retention, and nutrient content of manganese slag. Combined amendment and plant treatment (M1) reduced Mn, Pb, and Zn runoff losses by 15.7%, 8.4%, and 10.2% respectively compared to unamended slag. K. paniculata recruited beneficial fungi and established a more stable fungal community with increased residual heavy metal proportions in the substrate.

Conclusion

The combined application of SMC-ATP amendments and K. paniculata planting demonstrates effective phytostabilization of manganese slag by improving soil quality, reducing heavy metal bioavailability and migration, and fostering beneficial fungal communities that enhance remediation efficiency and ecosystem stability.
  • Published in:Toxics,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/toxics12050333; PMID: 38787112
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