Linking circular economy and environmental rehabilitation in the designed Technosols for highmountain pastures implementation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Santos ◽  
Diego Arán
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Organic Amendments ◽  
Chemical Characteristic ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Superficial Layer ◽  
Chemical Characteristics ◽  
Closure Systems ◽  
One Year

<p>Although at different features and intensities, both abandoned and active mines as well as other industrial areas associated to mining activity, have several environmental problems associated to extreme physicochemical characteristics of their materials, wastes and/or leachates. The conventional closure systems do not contribute to the improvement of the chemical characteristics of some contaminated materials and its leachates. Moreover, superficial layer of soil applied in the conventional closure systems have very high cost of implementation and, especially, maintenance since this is periodically fertilized with organic amendments and re-sown.  </p><p>Nowadays, the strategies and technologies for tailings and deposits closure should be based on sustainability and the circular economy. In this context, an effective solution is the use of Technosols derived of wastes and designed specifically for each contaminated/degraded materials in order to remediate, at integrated level, the different components of the ecosystem and reconverting non-productive and degraded areas. The development and in situ application of designed Technosols to growth of highmountain pastures was carried out, firstly, under controlled conditions to evaluate the physic-chemical quality of the designed Technosols and then under field conditions. After superficial application of the Technosol on tailing deposit containing sulfide-rich wastes, plant cover was monitored for one year. The efficiency of Technosol in the improvement of chemical characteristics of mine wastes located under it was evaluated. Technosol was also evaluated in order to confirm the maintenance of its properties and characteristics.</p><p>Even in the highmountain conditions, a rapid germination, development and coverage of the surface by herbaceous species was obtained. In three months, there was less than 35% of bare soil. The percentage of bare soil decreased over time and in six months plant cover reached more than 85 % and a height of 65 cm. The productivity of the pasture was between 3 and 9 kg/m2. Plants did not show visible signs of phytotoxicity or nutritional deficiency and elements concentrations in shoots were in normal range, considering plants species in general.  Pasture does not seem to represent an environmental risk for domestic animals that exist in the areas adjacent. The chemical characteristics and andic and eutrophic properties of the Tecnosol were maintained. The Tecnosol stimulated the functionality of the microorganisms-soil-plant system, as well as the alteration of chemical characteristic and microbiological communities of the deposit.</p><p>Acknowledgment: This research was supported by Portuguese funds, through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, within the scope of the project UID/AGR/04129/2020.</p>

Pasture species behaviour on sulfide mine tailings rehabilitated with a designed Technosol

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Arán ◽  
Erika Santos ◽  
Maria Manuela Abreu ◽  
Juan Antelo ◽  
Felipe Macías
Keyword(s):  
Mine Tailings ◽  
Trifolium Pratense ◽  
Mine Drainage ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Mining Area ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Superficial Layer ◽  
Green Technology ◽  
Shoot Biomass ◽  
Mine Wastes

<p>The uranium mineralization from Fé mining area (Spain) contains sulfides, resulting mine wastes generators of acid mine drainage rich in potentially hazardous elements (PHE). The improvement of the physicochemical characteristics and biogeochemical processes of sulfide mine tailings as well as their socioeconomic valorisation can be achieved by the application of a green technology based on circular economy: Technosol. The efficiency of the application of a superficial layer of a designed Technosol with specific properties to the rehabilitation of the sulfide tailings from Fé mining area was tested. Also, the risk assessment of the land recovery by this technology to pasture was evaluated through a microcosm experiment.</p><p>After 20 months of the Technosol application in the field, composite samples of Technosol, recovered tailing (bottom of the Technosol) and tailings without recuperation (control tailing) were collected. These samples were used for microcosm assay and characterized for pH, electric conductivity, fertility, PHEs concentration in total fraction and available fraction extracted with rhizosphere-based method. The substrate effect on development of <em>Lollium perenne</em> and <em>Trifolium pratense</em> (visual signs of phytotoxity, percentage of plant cover and dry shoots biomass) and multielemental composition in their of shoots was evaluated in microcosm assay under greenhouse conditions.</p><p>Mine wastes from control tailing had pH ≈4 and high total concentrations of several PHEs (g/kg; Al: 46.2; As, Co and Pb: 0.02-0.03; Cu: 0.04; Fe: 63.2 Mn: 1.3; Ni and Zn: 0.1-0.2). Potentially toxic concentrations of Co, Mn and Ni were identified in the available fraction pointing out the serious environmental risk posed by the control tailing. These chemical characteristics together lack of structure iin mine wastes from control tailing contributed to total inhibition of Trifolium germination and a significant diminution of Lollium growth. Both species growing in Technosol and recovered tailing produced significant plant cover and quite similar amounts of shoot biomass.</p><p>The improvement of the overall physicochemical properties in the recovered tailing materials (e.g. the decrease of the hazardous element concentrations in available fraction, and the improvement of the fertility and structure) allowed a quick and secure plant cover with pasture species. The results evidenced the efficiency of the designed Technosol in the sulfide mine tailing rehabilitation and potential land recovery to pastures.</p><p>The authors thank ENUSA for technical cooperation and providing the study area and soil samples.</p>

scholarly journals Woody biochar potential for abandoned mine land restoration in the U.S.: a review

Biochar ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Rodriguez-Franco ◽  
Deborah S. Page-Dumroese
Keyword(s):  
Plant Cover ◽  
Forest Health ◽  
Organic Amendments ◽  
Woody Biomass ◽  
Abandoned Mine ◽  
Productive Capacity ◽  
Waste Biomass ◽  
Land Restoration ◽  
Forest Residues ◽  
The U.S

AbstractThere are thousands of abandoned mine land (AML) sites in the U.S. that need to be restored to reduce wind and water erosion, provide wildlife forage, shade streams, and improve productivity. Biochar created from woody biomass that would normally be burned in slash piles can be applied to soil to improve soil properties and is one method to restore AML soil productive capacity. Using this ‘waste’ biomass for biochar and reclamation activities will reduce wildfire risk, air pollution from burning, and particulates released from burning wood. Biochar has the potential to improve water quality, bind heavy metals, or decrease toxic chemical concentrations, while improving soil health to establish sustainable plant cover, thereby preventing soil erosion, leaching, or other unintended, negative environmental consequences. Using forest residues to create biochar also helps reduce woody biomass and improves forest health and resilience. We address concerns surrounding organic and inorganic contaminants on the biochar and how this might affect its’ efficacy and provide valuable information to increase restoration activities on AMLs using biochar alone or in combination with other organic amendments. Several examples of AML biochar restoration sites initiated to evaluate short- and long-term above- and belowground ecosystem responses are presented.

The Initial Response of a Chenopod Shrubland Plant and Invertebrate Community to Two Pulses of Intensive Cattle Grazing.

1999 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 169 ◽  
Author(s):  
JL Read
Keyword(s):  
Water Distribution ◽  
Marked Effect ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Initial Response ◽  
Plant Species Richness ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Invertebrate Community ◽  
Distribution Features ◽  
One Year

The initial effect of two pulses of heavy cattle grazing on chenopod shrubland plants and invertebrates in northern South Australia was assessed in a two year trial. Both plant and invertebrate communities were structured by subhabitats which were defined by edaphic and water-distribution features. The cover of grasses and the dominant shrubs, Atriplex vesicaria and Maireana astrotricha, declined significantly following grazing but only total vegetation cover was significantly lower than controls one year after grazing. Plant species richness was not affected by the grazing pulses. Abundance of ants increased, but the responses of other invertebrates were inconsistent following grazing. Rainfall had a marked effect upon both plant cover and invertebrate abundance. Key words: chenopod shrublands, pulsed cattle grazing, Atriplex vesicaria, invertebrates, bioindicators

scholarly journals Evaluation of Physicochemical Characteristics of Surface Water from Orashi River, Rivers State, Southern Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-122
Author(s):  
Onisogen Simeon Edori ◽  
Enize Simeon Edori
Keyword(s):  
Suspended Solids ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Total Dissolved Solids ◽  
Standard Laboratory ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Drinking Purposes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year ◽  
Rivers State

Water samples were collected from four different stations bimonthly from the Orashi River for a period of one year. The samples were collected from the shores of selected communities along the Engenni axis of the river. The samples were treated and analyzed according to standard laboratory and analytical procedures for water physicochemical parameters. The parameters examined were pH, Salinity, chlorides (Cl-), Conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS) turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrates (NO3-), sulphate (SO42-) and phosphates (PO43-). The results showed that the mean values of the evaluated parameters were; pH (6.91±0.11), salinity (9.79±0.27 mg/L), Cl (6.25±0.25 mg/L), conductivity (29.66±1.20 µS/cm), TDS (17.66±2.08 mg/L), TSS (16.83±1.15 mg/L), turbidity (11.84±1.50 mg/L), temperature (28.16±0.12 oC), DO (5.91±0.18 mg/L), BOD (7.30±0.60 mg/L), COD (9.41±0.70 mg/L), NO3- (3.42±0.27 mg/L), SO42- (1.15±0.56 mg/L) and PO43- (15.65±5.76 mg/L). The results of the different parameters showed that all of them fall within the WHO acceptable limit except turbidity, DO and BOD that were not within the recommended range, then COD and phosphates that were either within or above the recommended values at different instances. Based on the findings of this work, the water may not be particularly suitable for drinking purposes, but can be used for other household functions that do not require consumption and also for irrigation. Keywords: water, physicochemical property, human activity, environment, contamination

scholarly journals Off-field transport of phosphorus from an Ultisol under pasture

1969 ◽  
Vol 90 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 159-172
Author(s):  
David Sotomayor-Ramírez ◽  
Gustavo A. Martínez ◽  
Luis Pérez-Alegría ◽  
John Ramírez-Ávila
Keyword(s):  
Organic Amendments ◽  
Surface Water Quality ◽  
Suspended Sediments ◽  
Tropical Pastures ◽  
Rainfall Events ◽  
Inorganic P ◽  
Impact Surface ◽  
Mass Losses ◽  
One Year ◽  
Precipitation Events

Broadcast applications of inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments to pastures can contribute significant phosphorus (P) loads to surface waters. An experiment was conducted to quantify edge of field P concentrations in runoff and mass losses from plots in an Ultisol-Oxisol complex amended with two inorganic P levels [44 kg P/ha/yr (44PI) and 131 kg P/ha/yr (131 PI)], and an organic P source (broiler litter) [131 kg P/ha/yr (131 PC-)]. The total amount of P was split in two applications for the organic treatment and in four for the inorganic treatments. Vegetation within plots was mainly naturalized tropical pastures (80% coverage) and the soil slope was between 10 and 12%. Hydrologic discharge, suspended sediments, dissolved P and total P (TP) were quantified over a one-year period to 7 August 2003. Runoff from each field was diverted to a fractionator, where 1 or 10% was collected. Of the 174 precipitation events, 59 resulted in significant runoff, and hydrologic discharge accounted for 22% to 35% of the total rainfall (164.3 cm). Sediment losses ranged from 230 to 818 kg/ha. Cumulative TP mass losses were 3.19, 7.04, and 5.02 kg P/ha, for the 44PI, 131 PI, and 131PO treatments, respectively. These losses corresponded to 7.3, 4.9, and 3.5% of the annual P applied in the treatments 44PI, 131 PI, and 131PO, respectively. Although the magnitude of P losses was relatively low from an agricultural production standpoint, these can impact surface-water quality via nutrient enrichment. The greatest magnitude of TP mass losses occurred when application coincided with frequent intense rainfall events. RESUMEN Las aplicaciones de fertilizantes y enmiendas orgánicas a los suelos pueden contribuir cantidades significativas de fósforo (P) a las aguas superficiales. Se realizó un experimento para cuantificar las concentraciones de P en la escorrentía y las pérdidas en masa de P al borde de predio en un Ultisol enmendado con dos niveles de superfosfato triple como fuente inorgánica de P [44 kg P/ha/año (44 Pl) y 131 kg P/ha/año (131PI)] y una fuente orgánica de P [131 kg P/ha/año (131PO)] aplicado como pollinaza. La aplicación de P se fraccionó en dos para la fuente orgánica y en cuatro para la fuente inorgánica. La vegetación dentro de los predios era principalmente de pasturas tropicales naturalizadas y la pendiente varió entre 10 y 12%. La descarga hidrológica, sedimentos suspendidos, P disuelto y P total se cuantificaron durante un año. La escorrentía de cada parcela se canalizó hacia un fraccionador donde se recolectó el 1% o el 10% de la misma. De los 174 eventos de precipitación, 59 resultaron en escorrentía significativa, y la descarga hidrológica varió entre 22 y 35% de la totalidad (164.3 cm). Las pérdidas de sedimento variaron entre 230 y 818 kg/ha/año. Las pérdidas de P cumulativas fueron 3.19, 7.04, y 5.02 kg P/ha, para los tratamientos 44PI, 131 PI, y 131PO, respectivamente. Desde una perspectiva de producción agrícola, la magnitud de las pérdidas de P fueron bajas, pero estas cantidades pueden afectar las aguas superficiales vía el enriquecimiento nutricional. Las mayores pérdidas de P ocurrieron en periodos de tiempo cuando la aplicación coincidió con eventos de lluvia de relativamente alta intensidad y frecuencia. 

scholarly journals RESTORATION OF FORMER GRASSLAND IN SOUTH-CENTRAL TEXAS

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy J. Leonard ◽  
O. W. Van Auken
Keyword(s):  
San Antonio ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Herbaceous Plant ◽  
Percent Cover ◽  
Juniperus Ashei ◽  
South Central ◽  
Central Texas

Abstract In the past, grasslands and savannas were common in many areas of south-central Texas, including the San Antonio area. With the advent of European settlers and their livestock, much of this area was converted to agriculture and rangeland. Today, most of San Antonio is developed, but some preservation has occurred. Restored grassland, mechanically cleared of Juniperus ashei (juniper, Ashe juniper) and other woody species in 2013, was examined and compared to adjacent non-cleared woodland. The woodland examined was dominated by Diospyros texana (Texas persimmon) and Juniperus ashei. Richness in the woodland canopy was 15 species. The understory below the canopy had 25 woody species. In the restored grassland area, herbaceous plant cover was 41.8%, woody plant cover 5.8%, bare soil 2.9%, and litter cover 49.5%. Species richness was 71, with 60 herbaceous and 11 woody species (percent cover of each from <0.1–7.1%). The most common species in the restored grassland in descending order were Nassella leucotricha (Texas winter grass), Calyptocarpus vialis (straggler daisy), Carex planostachys (cedar sedge), Sporobolus crypandrus (sand dropseed), D. texana, and Verbesina virginica (frost weed). Several C4 grass species were present with low cover but may increase in abundance over time. Four of the six most common restored grassland species were present below the woodland canopy and 12 woody species were present in the restored grassland as juveniles. Cost of restoration was approximately $38,500 ($7,500 supplies, $31,000 labor).

scholarly journals Physicochemical characteristics of promising soybean lines adapted to acid soil and the tofu produced

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erliana Ginting ◽  
JOKO SUSILO UTOMO ◽  
HERU KUSWANTORO ◽  
WONG-YOUNG HAN
Keyword(s):  
Acid Soil ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Chemical Characteristics ◽  
Domestic Production ◽  
Improved Varieties ◽  
Ecological Conditions ◽  
Physical And Chemical Characteristics ◽  
Physical And Chemical

Abstract. Ginting E, Utomo JS, Kuswantoro H, Han W-Y. Physicochemical characteristics of promising soybean lines adapted to acid soil and the tofu produced. Biodiversitas 22: 5012-5022. Breeding of soybean varieties adapted to different agro-ecological conditions in Indonesia is essential in terms of increasing domestic production through extensification. About 20 promising soybean lines adapted/tolerant to acid soil have been available, thus it is necessary to study their physical and chemical characteristics as well as the suitability as ingredients for tofu products. Four improved varieties (Grobogan, Tanggamus, Anjasmoro, and Wilis) were used as the checks. The results showed that one line belonged to large-seeded, namely Tgm/Anj-995 (15.13 g/100 seeds), slightly smaller than Grobogan (16.26 g/100 seeds). Eighteen lines were medium (similar to Anjasmoro and Tanggamus varieties), while one line was small-seeded (similar to Wilis variety). Five lines contained higher protein (40.35–41.80% dw) relative to four check varieties (36.03–38.18% dw). Tofu prepared from Tgm/Anj-908 and Tgm/Anj-991 lines had the highest scores for color, aroma, and taste acceptances; however, the texture was slightly firm, followed by the Tgm/Anj-932, Tgm/Anj-995, Tgm/Anj-862, and Tgm/Anj-888 lines, which had a softer texture. Their scores were slightly higher than those of Anjasmoro. This suggests that selected soybean promising lines tolerant to acid soil have better physical and nutritional performances relative to their check varieties, with six lines suitable for tofu ingredients.

Determinants of Legionella pneumophila Contamination of Water Distribution Systems: 15-Hospital Prospective Study

1987 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 357-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard M. Vickers ◽  
Victor L. Yu ◽  
S. Sue Hanna ◽  
Paul Muraca ◽  
Warren Diven ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Water Distribution ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Environmental Study ◽  
Water Tank ◽  
One Year

AbstractWe conducted a prospective environmental study for Legionella pneumophila in 15 hospitals in Pennsylvania. Hot water tanks, cold water sites, faucets, and show-erheads were surveyed four times over a one-year period. Sixty percent (9/15) of hospitals surveyed were contaminated with L pneumophila. Although contamination could not be linked to a specific municipal water supplier, most of the contaminated supplies came from rivers. Parameters found to be significantly associated with contamination included elevated hot water temperature, vertical configuration of the hot water tank, older tanks, and elevated calcium and magnesium concentrations of the water (P < 0.05). This study suggests that L pneumophila contamination could be predicted based on design of the distribution system, as well as physicochemical characteristics of the water.

scholarly journals Losses of soil, water, organic carbon and nutrients caused by water erosion in different crops and natural savannah in the northern Amazon

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Fernando Gomes de Souza ◽  
Valdinar Ferreira Melo ◽  
Wellington Farias Araújo ◽  
Thiago Henrique de Castro Araújo
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Water Erosion ◽  
Brachiaria Brizantha ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
Agricultural Areas ◽  
The Impact

Currently in Brazil, the main form of erosion is caused by the impact of raindrops on the soil surface, triggering the process of water erosion and causing serious damage to agricultural areas. This study evaluated losses of soil, water, organic carbon and nutrients in different cultures, bare soil and savanna under natural rain. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments (bare soil - BS, cowpea bean - CB, Brachiaria brizantha - BB, corn - CO and natural savanna – SN) with three replications; The treatment of bare soil (BS), followed by the treatment cultivated with cowpea bean  (CB) showed higher losses of soil, water, organic carbon and nutrients; The highest losses of soil, water, organic carbon and nutrients in the treatment of bare soil (BS) occurred during the period of greatest erosivity; but for treatments CB, BB and CO, the highest losses occurred during the establishment of the crop, in view of the lower soil cover. Soils cultivated with Brachiaria brizantha - BB, corn - CO and in the Natural Savana - SN area were more efficient in reducing soil and water losses during all months evaluated. Plant cover produced by the (SN) treatment and by the (BB) and (CO) treatments acted to reduce the harmful effects of erosion, minimizing losses of nutrients and organic carbon. The soil should be well protected during periods when rainfall presents the highest values of erosivity index.

Diesel oil spill in a subalpine meadow: 9 years of recovery

1982 ◽  
Vol 60 (6) ◽  
pp. 906-910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joy Belsky
Keyword(s):  
Oil Spill ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Diesel Oil ◽  
Community Recovery ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Subalpine Meadow ◽  
Meadow Communities ◽  
Casual Observer

Two subalpine meadow communities near Mt. Baker, Washington, were inundated by a spill of 26 000 L of diesel oil in 1972. Studies were made of the initial impact of the oil on the vegetation and of community recovery over 9 years. Within two growing seasons following the spill, plant cover had decreased from a prespill cover of nearly 100% to 1% and all species except Phyllodoce empetriformis, Carex lenticularis, and Rhacomitrium sudeticum had died. Seedlings of Carex nigricans began to appear on bare soil after 1 year, followed by seedlings of other common subalpine species 2 to 4 years later. Nine years after the perturbation 5 to 20% of the ground was covered with vegetation and the original disturbance could no longer be discerned by a casual observer.

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