45 results on '"Álvarez-Rogel, José."'
Search Results
2. Global dataset of soil organic carbon in tidal marshes
- Author
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Maxwell, Tania L., Rovai, André S., Adame, Maria Fernanda, Adams, Janine B., Álvarez-Rogel, José, Austin, William E. N., Beasy, Kim, Boscutti, Francesco, Böttcher, Michael E., Bouma, Tjeerd J., Bulmer, Richard H., Burden, Annette, Burke, Shannon A., Camacho, Saritta, Chaudhary, Doongar R., Chmura, Gail L., Copertino, Margareth, Cott, Grace M., Craft, Christopher, Day, John, de los Santos, Carmen B., Denis, Lionel, Ding, Weixin, Ellison, Joanna C., Ewers Lewis, Carolyn J., Giani, Luise, Gispert, Maria, Gontharet, Swanne, González-Pérez, José A., González-Alcaraz, M. Nazaret, Gorham, Connor, Graversen, Anna Elizabeth L., Grey, Anthony, Guerra, Roberta, He, Qiang, Holmquist, James R., Jones, Alice R., Juanes, José A., Kelleher, Brian P., Kohfeld, Karen E., Krause-Jensen, Dorte, Lafratta, Anna, Lavery, Paul S., Laws, Edward A., Leiva-Dueñas, Carmen, Loh, Pei Sun, Lovelock, Catherine E., Lundquist, Carolyn J., Macreadie, Peter I., Mazarrasa, Inés, Megonigal, J. Patrick, Neto, Joao M., Nogueira, Juliana, Osland, Michael J., Pagès, Jordi F., Perera, Nipuni, Pfeiffer, Eva-Maria, Pollmann, Thomas, Raw, Jacqueline L., Recio, María, Ruiz-Fernández, Ana Carolina, Russell, Sophie K., Rybczyk, John M., Sammul, Marek, Sanders, Christian, Santos, Rui, Serrano, Oscar, Siewert, Matthias, Smeaton, Craig, Song, Zhaoliang, Trasar-Cepeda, Carmen, Twilley, Robert R., Van de Broek, Marijn, Vitti, Stefano, Antisari, Livia Vittori, Voltz, Baptiste, Wails, Christy N., Ward, Raymond D., Ward, Melissa, Wolfe, Jaxine, Yang, Renmin, Zubrzycki, Sebastian, Landis, Emily, Smart, Lindsey, Spalding, Mark, and Worthington, Thomas A.
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- 2023
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3. Addressing the C/N imbalance in the treatment of irrigated agricultural water by using a hybrid constructed wetland at field-scale
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Guerrero-Brotons, Mercedes, Álvarez-Rogel, José, Arce, María Isabel, and Gómez, Rosa
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- 2023
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4. Microarthropod communities act as functional mediators of ecosystem recovery in abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings in semiarid areas
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Juan-Ovejero, Raquel, Álvarez-Rogel, José, Peñalver-Alcalá, Antonio, Verweij, Rudo A., van Gestel, Cornelis A.M., and González-Alcaraz, M. Nazaret
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- 2023
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5. Woodchip bioreactors for saline leachates denitrification can mitigate agricultural impacts in mediterranean areas: The Campo de Cartagena-Mar Menor environmental issue
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Díaz-García, Carolina, Martínez-Sánchez, Juan J., and Álvarez-Rogel, José
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- 2023
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6. Long-term artificial seawater irrigation as a sustainable environmental management strategy for abandoned solar salt works: The case study of Agua Amarga salt marsh (SE Spain)
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Alhama, Iván, García-Ros, Gonzalo, González-Alcaraz, M Nazaret, and Álvarez-Rogel, José
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- 2022
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7. Biochar and urban solid refuse ameliorate the inhospitality of acidic mine tailings and foster effective spontaneous plant colonization under semiarid climate
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Peñalver-Alcalá, Antonio, Álvarez-Rogel, José, Conesa, Héctor M., and González-Alcaraz, M. Nazaret
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- 2021
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8. Woodchip bioreactors provide sustained denitrification of brine from groundwater desalination plants
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Díaz-García, Carolina, Martínez-Sánchez, Juan J., Maxwell, Bryan M., Franco, José Antonio, and Álvarez-Rogel, José
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- 2021
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9. Increased brine concentration increases nitrate reduction rates in batch woodchip bioreactors treating brine from desalination
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Maxwell, Bryan, Díaz-García, Carolina, Martínez-Sánchez, Juan José, and Álvarez-Rogel, Jose
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- 2020
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10. Bioreactors for brine denitrification produced during polluted groundwater desalination in fertigation areas of SE Spain: batch assays for substrate selection
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Díaz-García, Carolina, Martínez-Sánchez, Juan J., and Álvarez-Rogel, José
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- 2020
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11. Biochar from sewage sludge and pruning trees reduced porewater Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations in acidic, but not basic, mine soils under hydric conditions
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Álvarez-Rogel, José, Tercero Gómez, María del Carmen, Conesa, Héctor M., Párraga-Aguado, Isabel, and González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret
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- 2018
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12. Using Remote Sensing to Assess the Vegetation Cover of a Protected Salt Marsh Subjected to Artificial Recharge and Groundwater Abstractions during the Period 1925–2022 (Alicante, SE Spain).
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Salcedo, José Marín, Alhama, Iván, Alcaraz, Manuel, Álvarez-Rogel, José, and Jiménez-Valera, José Antonio
- Abstract
The Agua Amarga salt marsh has been subjected to artificial seawater recharge on its surface during the period 1925–1969 for industrial purposes (saltwork activity) and from 2008 to present to compensate for coastal groundwater abstraction to supply Alicante desalination plants. This groundwater abstraction has caused piezometric depletion in the coastal aquifer connected to the protected salt marsh. The seawater recharge program also involved vegetation monitoring to control the impact on the salt marsh ecosystem, allowing data to be collected about the halophyte vegetation species growing in the salt marsh (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Sarcocornia fruticosa, and Ruppia maritima, among others) from spring and autumn field surveys. In this work, vegetation development is assessed with remote sensing for the period 1929–2022 using images with visible and near-infrared spectral resolution. Different spectral indices (NDVI, BI, and NDWI) and classification algorithms (random forest) are used to calculate the vegetation cover. Field data are employed to evaluate the protocols and compare the results, showing a 46% decrease caused by the salt works and a 50% increase as a result of natural evolution and artificial recharge. The spread of Phragmites australis is also addressed by comparing LiDAR data with field monitoring, showing an increase of 12% during the period 2005–2023. The advantages and complementarity of field monitoring and remote sensing information are explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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13. Phosphorus retention and fractionation in an eutrophic wetland: A one-year mesocosms experiment under fluctuating flooding conditions
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Tercero, María del Carmen, Álvarez-Rogel, José, Conesa, Héctor Miguel, Párraga-Aguado, Isabel, and González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret
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- 2017
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14. Metal mobility assessment for the application of an urban organic waste amendment in two degraded semiarid soils
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Párraga-Aguado, Isabel, Álvarez-Rogel, José, González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret, and Conesa, Héctor M.
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- 2017
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15. Nitrate removal and potential soil N2O emissions in eutrophic salt marshes with and without Phragmites australis
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Álvarez-Rogel, José, del Carmen Tercero, María, Arce, María Isabel, Delgado, María José, Conesa, Héctor Miguel, and González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret
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- 2016
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16. Nitrate removal from eutrophic wetlands polluted by metal-mine wastes: Effects of liming and plant growth
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González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret, Conesa, Héctor Miguel, and Álvarez-Rogel, José
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- 2013
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17. When liming and revegetation contribute to the mobilisation of metals: Learning lessons for the phytomanagement of metal-polluted wetlands
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González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret, Conesa, Héctor Miguel, and Álvarez-Rogel, José
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- 2013
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18. The combined use of liming and Sarcocornia fruticosa development for phytomanagement of salt marsh soils polluted by mine wastes
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González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret, Conesa, Héctor Miguel, del Carmen Tercero, María, Schulin, Rainer, Álvarez-Rogel, José, and Egea, Consuelo
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- 2011
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19. Rhizosphere and flooding regime as key factors for the mobilisation of arsenic and potentially harmful metals in basic, mining-polluted salt marsh soils
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María-Cervantes, Antonio, Conesa, Héctor M., González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret, and Álvarez-Rogel, José
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- 2010
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20. Factors structuring microbial communities in highly impacted coastal marine sediments (Mar Menor lagoon, SE Spain).
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Aldeguer-Riquelme, Borja, Rubio-Portillo, Esther, Álvarez-Rogel, José, Giménez-Casalduero, Francisca, Otero, Xose Luis, Belando, María-Dolores, Bernardeau-Esteller, Jaime, García-Muñoz, Rocío, Forcada, Aitor, Ruiz, Juan M., Santos, Fernando, and Antón, Josefa
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COASTAL sediments ,MARINE sediments ,MICROBIAL communities ,FACTOR structure ,LAGOONS ,BIOGEOCHEMICAL cycles ,BIOINDICATORS - Abstract
Coastal marine lagoons are environments highly vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures such as agriculture nutrient loading or runoff from metalliferous mining. Sediment microorganisms, which are key components in the biogeochemical cycles, can help attenuate these impacts by accumulating nutrients and pollutants. The Mar Menor, located in the southeast of Spain, is an example of a coastal lagoon strongly altered by anthropic pressures, but the microbial community inhabiting its sediments remains unknown. Here, we describe the sediment prokaryotic communities along a wide range of environmental conditions in the lagoon, revealing that microbial communities were highly heterogeneous among stations, although a core microbiome was detected. The microbiota was dominated by Delta- and Gammaproteobacteria and members of the Bacteroidia class. Additionally, several uncultured groups such as Asgardarchaeota were detected in relatively high proportions. Sediment texture, the presence of Caulerpa or Cymodocea, depth, and geographic location were among the most important factors structuring microbial assemblages. Furthermore, microbial communities in the stations with the highest concentrations of potentially toxic elements (Fe, Pb, As, Zn, and Cd) were less stable than those in the non-contaminated stations. This finding suggests that bacteria colonizing heavily contaminated stations are specialists sensitive to change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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21. Evolution and phosphorus fractionation in saline Spolic Technosols flooded with eutrophic water
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González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret, Álvarez-Rogel, José, María-Cervantes, Antonio, Egea, Consuelo, and Conesa, Héctor Miguel
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- 2012
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22. Mobilisation of AS and trace metals in saline, acidic Sopolic Technosols: the role of the rhizosphere and flooding conditions
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Cervantes, Antonio María, Conesa, Hector Miguel, González-Alcarez, María Nazaret, and Álvarez-Rogel, José
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- 2011
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23. Trace Element Concentrations in Saltmarsh Soils Strongly Affected by Wastes from Metal Sulphide Mining Areas
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Jiménez-Cárceles, Francisco José, Álvarez-Rogel, José, and Conesa Alcaraz, Héctor Miguel
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- 2008
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24. A conceptual model of salt marsh plant distribution in coastal dunes of southeastern Spain
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Álvarez-Rogel, José, Martínez-Sánchez, Juan José, Blázquez, Lucía Carrasco, and Semitiel, Carmen M. Marín
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- 2006
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25. Short- and intermediate-term effects of site and plant preparation techniques on reforestation of a Mediterranean semiarid ecosystem with Pinus halepensis Mill
- Author
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Barberá, Gonzalo G., Martínez-Fernández, Faustino, Álvarez-Rogel, José, Albaladejo, Juan, and Castillo, Víctor
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- 2005
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26. Temperature sensitivity of nitrate removal in woodchip bioreactors increases with woodchip age and following drying-rewetting cycles.
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Maxwell, Bryan M., Díaz-García, Carolina, Martínez-Sánchez, Juan José, Birgand, François, and Álvarez-Rogel, José
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- 2020
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27. Germination studies in Juncus acutus L. (Juncaceae), Schoenus nigricans L. (Cyperaceae) and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) Moris (Chenopodiaceae) for salt-marshes restorati
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Conesa Gallego, Encarnación, Vicente Colomer, María José, Álvarez Rogel, José, Franco Leemhuis, José Antonio, Martínez Sánchez, Juan José, and Grupo de Investigación de Hortofloricultura Mediterránea
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Salt marshes ,Germinación de recuperación ,Germination recovery ,Salinity ,Edafología y Química Agrícola ,Halophytes ,Halófitas ,Seed ecology ,Producción Vegetal ,Semilla ecológica ,Salinidad ,Marisma - Abstract
Since the 1970’s, salt marshes have been reduced in area by a great antropogenic pressure derived from agriculture, and more recently, from demand for tourist urban facilities. Therefore, restoration and preservation of plant communities in salt marshes are needed. Among the perennial species that appear typically in maritime sands, on the Mediterranean region and western Europe Juncus acutus L. (Juncaceae), Schoenus nigricans L. (Cyperaceae) and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum (Moric.) Moris (Chenopodiaceae) frequently occur (Álvarez-Rogel et al., 2000; Vicente et al., 2007). On other hand soil salinity has traditionally been considered one of the most important physical factors in plant zonation of salt marshes (Fig.1). Álvarez-Rogel et al. (2006) related the increase in soil salinity in summer to a higher content in Cl−, Na+, SO42−, Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+. However, the relative percentages of Ca2+ and K+ decreased when salinity rose, leading to an imbalance in favour of the most toxic cations, such as Na+ and Mg2+. The same authors showed that the highest correlation coefficients for ions were between Cl− and Na+ and between Cl− and Mg2+. The use of the above mentioned species in restoration programs require to know the germination responses to light and temperature and their salinity tolerance during germination.
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- 2011
28. Influence of climate change on the multi-generation toxicity to Enchytraeus crypticus of soils polluted by metal/metalloid mining wastes.
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Barmentlo, S. Henrik, van Gestel, Cornelis A.M., Álvarez-Rogel, José, and González-Alcaraz, M. Nazaret
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SEMIMETALS ,SOIL moisture potential ,SOIL moisture ,SOIL pollution ,ENVIRONMENTAL toxicology - Abstract
This study aimed at assessing the effects of increased air temperature and reduced soil moisture content on the multi-generation toxicity of a soil polluted by metal/metalloid mining wastes. Enchytraeus crypticus was exposed to dilution series of the polluted soil in Lufa 2.2 soil under different combinations of air temperature (20 °C and 25 °C) and soil moisture content (50% and 30% of the soil water holding capacity, WHC) over three generations standardized on physiological time. Generation time was shorter with increasing air temperature and/or soil moisture content. Adult survival was only affected at 30% WHC (∼30% reduction at the highest percentages of polluted soil). Reproduction decreased with increasing percentage of polluted soil in a dose-related manner and over generations. Toxicity increased at 30% WHC (>50% reduction in EC 50 in F0 and F1 generations) and over generations in the treatments at 20 °C (40–60% reduction in EC 50 in F2 generation). At 25 °C, toxicity did not change when combined with 30% WHC and only slightly increased with 50% WHC. So, higher air temperature and/or reduced soil moisture content does affect the toxicity of soils polluted by metal/metalloid mining wastes to E. crypticus and this effect may exacerbate over generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2017
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29. Vegetation distribution from a Coastal Dune System in SE Spain: relations with soil salinity, moisture and redoximorphic features. Posters
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Marín, C. M, Álvarez Rogel, José, Carrasco, L., Martínez Sánchez, Juan Antonio, and Ciencia y Tecnología Agraria
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Sistema de dunas ,Evapotranspiration (ET) ,System of dune ,Mar Menor ,Saltworks of San Pedro del Pinatar (Murcia) ,Mediterranean ,Paisaje ,Edafología y Química Agrícola ,Plantas halófitas ,Landscape ,Plant Halophytes ,Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar (Murcia) ,Mediterráneo ,Evapotranspiración - Published
- 2003
30. Spontaneous vegetation colonizing abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings consistently modulates climatic, chemical and biological soil conditions throughout seasons.
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Álvarez-Rogel, José, Peñalver-Alcalá, Antonio, and González-Alcaraz, M. Nazaret
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- 2022
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31. Assessment of metal(loid)s availability and their uptake by Pinus halepensis in a Mediterranean forest impacted by abandoned tailings.
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Párraga-Aguado, Isabel, Álvarez-Rogel, José., González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret, Jiménez-Cárceles, Francisco J., and Conesa, Héctor M.
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SEMIMETALS , *ALEPPO pine , *PHYTOREMEDIATION , *METAL content of soils , *ARID regions , *METAL tailings - Abstract
Highlights: [•] CaCl2-extractable Cu was correlated with dissolved organic carbon. [•] CaCl2-extractable concentrations did not correlate with metal uptake. [•] Pinus halepensis may be used to phytostabilise metal polluted soils in semiarid areas. [•] Areas surrounding tailings were impacted by high metal(loid) concentrations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2013
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32. Liming and vegetation favor Fe-mobilization in eutrophic wetland soils affected by mine wastes
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González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret and Álvarez-Rogel, José
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AQUATIC liming , *EUTROPHICATION , *WETLANDS , *MINE waste , *IRON compounds , *PLANTS - Abstract
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of liming and vegetation on the dynamic of Fe in eutrophic wetland soils affected by mine wastes, under different flooding regimes. Simulated soil profiles were constructed with two types of wastes (pH∼3.1 and ∼6.4) collected from polluted salt marshes and four treatments were assayed: without liming+without plant, without liming+with plant, with liming+without plant, and with liming+with plant. The plant species was the halophyte Sarcocornia fruticosa. Three horizons were differentiated in the profiles: A horizons (never underwater), C1 (alternating flooding–drying conditions), and C2 (always underwater). The pH, Eh, salinity, and the concentrations of DOC and soluble Fe were measured regularly at each horizon for 18 weeks. Liming decreased Fe solubility, mainly in the acidic waste (maximum average concentrations ∼18mgL−1 without liming and ∼6mgL−1 with liming). However, liming also facilitated a drop in Eh, increasing soluble Fe content. Plant rhizosphere re-distributed this Fe, which was accumulated in the upper horizons of the treatments with liming+with plant, particularly in the acidic waste (average concentrations ∼10mgL−1 in the A horizon and ∼5mgL−1 in the C1 and C2 horizons). Therefore, we conclude that the combined use of liming and vegetation enhance the mobilization of Fe in eutrophic wetland soils polluted by mine wastes under alternating flooding–drying conditions. This should be considered for the environmental management of these sites due to the role of Fe-minerals as sink for potentially-harmful compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2013
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33. Nitrate Evolution in Soil, Leaching Water, and Lettuce Plant Crops using Different Fertilization Strategies.
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Fernández, Juan A., Esteban, Adriana, Conesa, Encarnación, Ochoa, Jesús, and Álvarez-Rogel, José
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LETTUCE ,NITRATES ,SOIL composition ,SOIL leaching ,PLANT fertilization ,HARVESTING ,PLANT growth ,PLANT water requirements - Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different fertilizing strategies applied during three successive cycles on lettuce growth and the nitrate evolution in the soil, leaching water, and the lettuce plant itself. Four fertilization treatments were compared: integrated production fertilization (IP), organic fertilization (ORG), slow-release N fertilizers (SRF), and plant-associative bacteria (PAB). The nitrate content of the pore water and leachate decreased toward harvesting time in each crop cycle. The accumulation of residual nitrates in the soil decreased in each successive cycle in all treatments. The greatest lettuce head weight was achieved by ORG and SRF in the first cycle and by IP in the third cycle; IP and SRF produced the greatest nitrate content in lettuce leaves, especially in the second and third cycles. The nitrate content of leaves fell in the last cycle, as nitrate levels in soil and in leaching fell in all treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2012
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34. Relationships Between Salt Type and Seed Germination in Three Plant Species Growing in Salt Marsh Soils of Semi-Arid Mediterranean Environments.
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Vicente, María José, Conesa, Encarnación, Álvarez-Rogel, José, Franco, José Antonio, and Martínez-Sánchez, Juan José
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GERMINATION ,PLANT species ,PLANT ecology ,SALT marshes ,HALOPHYTES ,BOTANICAL research - Abstract
The present work studied the germination recovery of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Juncus acutus, and Schoenus nigricans seeds after submersion in hypersaline solution of different salt types. Germination recovery of seed lots incubated in 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5% saline solutions of NaCl, MgCl2, MgSO4, and Na2SO4 for 30 d was studied by transferring ungerminated seeds to distilled water. Seed germination of A. macrostachyum was only inhibited at the highest salinity (4% NaCl, 5% MgCl2) but these ungerminated seeds showed a high germination recovery (81% and 83%, respectively) in distilled water. Seed germination of S. nigricans was totally inhibited by salts and only 26% of them germinated in the control treatment. However, the germination recovery of this species could be stimulated by high salt concentrations (germination of ungerminated seeds incubated at 5% Na2SO4 reached 66% in distilled water). Juncus acutus germinated well without salt (95% in the control treatment) but high salt concentrations inhibited them from germination. However, ungerminated seeds were not damaged by salt, showing a high level of recovery (c. 100% in all salt types and concentrations). The chlorides were more inhibitory to germination than sulphates at equivalent concentrations. The germination-related characteristics of J. acutus and S. nigricans mean that both species may be considered halophytes although neither of them can tolerate such high salinity levels as A. macrostachyum, Juncus acutus, and A. macrostachyum produce nondormant seeds, whereas a high proportion of S. nigricans seeds are dormant. These laboratory results are related to the field ecology of the three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
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35. The relationships between functional and physicochemical soil parameters in metal(loid) mine tailings from Mediterranean semiarid areas support the value of spontaneous vegetation colonization for phytomanagement.
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Peñalver-Alcalá, Antonio, Álvarez-Rogel, José, Peixoto, Sara, Silva, Isabel, Silva, Ana Rita R., and González-Alcaraz, M. Nazaret
- Subjects
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METAL tailings , *ABANDONED mines , *SOILS , *PLANT colonization , *METALS , *ABIOTIC stress - Abstract
Spontaneous growth of native vegetation in abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings can be valuable for phytomanagement restoration projects. This study aimed to assess the degree to which spontaneous plant colonization of abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings from Mediterranean semiarid areas led to functional soil improvement, and to identify, if possible, a critical level indicating that this functionality was moving towards that of the vegetated soils from the surroundings. Vegetation ecological indexes, plant life forms and species functional roles, together with physicochemical and functional soils parameters, were studied in metal(loid) mine tailings abandoned ~40 years ago and surrounding forests in SE Spain. Vegetation patches showed only small differences in physicochemical parameters related to soil abiotic stress conditions (pH, salinity and metals), regardless of the vegetation. However, vegetation patches with greater species diversity and richness and presence of plants with contrasted life forms and functional traits that facilitate the growth of less stress-tolerant species showed an increase of the soil microbial functionality (higher microbial biomass C, β-glucosidase activity, bacterial metabolic activity and functional diversity). Moreover, these vegetation patches showed a functional soil status comparable to that of the forests outside the mine tailings. In this sense, the present study showed the value of preserving these vegetation patches since they may act as nucleation spots favoring positive plant-soil feedbacks that may help to accelerate the functional recovery of these degraded areas. Furthermore, strategies to promote the creation of new vegetation patches including a variety of species with contrasted life forms and functional traits should be considered in phytomanagement restoration projects for abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings. [Display omitted] • Soil microbial functionality evaluated by CLPP technique. • Similar soil abiotic stress parameters in tailing vegetation patches. • Higher plant diversity-richness, higher scores of functional-related soil parameters. • More diverse and rich vegetation patches had closer soil functional status to forests. • Spontaneously colonized niches are valuable spots for phytomanagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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36. Phosphorus retention in a coastal salt marsh in SE Spain
- Author
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Álvarez-Rogel, José, Jiménez-Cárceles, Francisco José, and Egea-Nicolás, Consuelo
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PHOSPHORUS in soils , *SALT marshes , *COASTAL ecology , *EUTROPHICATION , *EFFLUENT quality , *OXIDES - Abstract
Total and inorganic soil P were extracted from a coastal salt marsh in SE Spain receiving eutrophicated water of urban and agricultural origin. The greatest P contents were obtained within the upper 10 cm of soil of those sectors of the salt marsh most affected by urban waste water effluents. Most of the P was extracted using HCl, indicating that it is mainly bonded to Ca compounds. Only in sites with low CaCO3 content was the quantity of P associated with Fe and Al oxides and hydroxides (extracted with NaOH) noticeable. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2007
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37. Erratum to “Rhizosphere and flooding regime as key factors for the mobilisation of arsenic and potentially harmful metals in basic, mining-polluted salt marsh soils” [Appl. Geochem. 25 (2010) 1722–1733]
- Author
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María-Cervantes, Antonio, Conesa, Héctor M., González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret, and Álvarez-Rogel, José
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Evidence supporting the value of spontaneous vegetation for phytomanagement of soil ecosystem functions in abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings.
- Author
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Álvarez-Rogel, José, Peñalver-Alcalá, Antonio, Jiménez-Cárceles, Francisco J., Carmen Tercero, M., and Nazaret González-Alcaraz, M.
- Subjects
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METAL tailings , *ABANDONED mines , *MINE soils , *SOILS , *NATIVE plants , *SOIL biology - Abstract
[Display omitted] • Soil metal(loid)s did not hinder spontaneous vegetation colonization of mine tailings. • Spontaneously vegetated metal(loid) mine tailings showed improved soil function. • Similar soil biological activity in vegetated mine tailing sites than in forests. • Vegetated metal(loid) mine tailing can be even less toxic than surrounding forests. • Passive restoration is valuable for phytomanagement of mine tailings. This work studies a set of soil indicators (physical, physico-chemical and biological), evaluated under field and laboratory conditions, in different stages of spontaneous vegetation colonization in abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings from Mediterranean semiarid areas. The results provide evidence about the interest of spontaneous colonization by native vegetation for the phytomanagement of abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings in terms of providing ecosystem functions. Bare soils (B), small groups of pine trees (P), scattered pine trees with shrubs and herbs under the canopy (P + S), and dense patches of pine trees with shrubs and herbs under the canopy (DP + S) were studied inside mine tailings abandoned ≈40 years ago. Besides, pine forests next (FN) and away (FA) from the tailings were also studied. Pioneer and nurse plants were mainly found inside the tailings, although ecological indexes in P + S and DP + S were similar to FN and FA. Pedogenesis evidences such as structure development and increase in cation exchange capacity, organic C and N were found in tailing soils from B to DP + S. However, soil metal(loid)s did not follow the same variation pattern. For example (in mg kg−1): P showed the maximum total Cu (≈277) and Zn (≈17,860), while P + S of As (≈1250) and Pb (≈14,570). B had the maximum water extractable Pb (≈4) and Zn (≈207), while FA of As (≈0.192) and Cu (≈0.149). Soil microbial biomass C, enzyme activity, CO 2 emission, organic matter decomposition and feeding activity of soil dwelling organisms indicated similar, or even higher, biological activity in P + S and DP + S than in FN and FA. In fact, FA showed the highest soil ecotoxicity risk (reduced enchytraeid reproduction). Therefore, mine tailing soils can be effectively modified following spontaneous vegetation colonization, achieving conditions with capacity to provide certain ecosystem functions. Hence, phytomanagement of these tailings should be preceded by a detailed knowledge of the existing spontaneously colonized sites, which should be preserved to take advantage of their potentiality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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39. Assessment of the employment of halophyte plant species for the phytomanagement of mine tailings in semiarid areas.
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Parraga-Aguado, Isabel, González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret, Álvarez-Rogel, José, and Conesa, Héctor M.
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HALOPHYTES , *PLANT selection , *PLANT species diversity , *CLIMATE change , *ARID regions - Abstract
Plant selection is a critical issue for the long-term success of phytomanagement projects. The presence of “microenvironments” related to salinity in mine tailings under semiarid climates make halophytes a suitable alternative for phytostabilisation. The goal of this work was to assess the criteria for plant species selection for the phytostabilisation of mining wastes in semiarid areas, focusing on the suitability of the employment of spontaneous halophyte plant species. For this purpose, a comprehensive soil below-plant and plant survey including spontaneous halophyte and non-halophyte plant species were performed in an extensive area covered by mining wastes in SE Spain. The soil samples collected below halophyte plants showed higher electrical conductivity, organic carbon and water extractable salts concentrations than the non-halophyte ones. Zygophyllum fabago and Limonium cossonianum were the most suitable species to colonize the salty micro niches at the tailings while Tamarix canariensis and Atriplex halimus showed the best soil fertility indicators under moderate electrical conductivity values. In general, the halophyte species showed lower metal(loid) concentrations in leaves or shoots than the non-halophyte ones ( e.g . Cistus monspeliensis , Dittrichia viscosa and Helichrysum decumbens ). Oppositely, the leaves of halophyte plant species, specially A. halimus and Z. fabago , showed higher accumulation of Na and Cl which may be of interest to effect the long term desalination of the tailings. The interest of employing halophytes is not only focused on metal(loid)s tolerance but also in the high potential for soil improvement (organic matter accumulation, desalination). The positive effects of combining halophyte with non-halophyte plant species may enhance the long-term sustainability of the plant community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2014
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40. Phytomanagement of strongly acidic, saline eutrophic wetlands polluted by mine wastes: The influence of liming and Sarcocornia fruticosa on metals mobility
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González-Alcaraz, María Nazaret, Conesa, Héctor Miguel, and Álvarez-Rogel, José
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ACID soils , *EUTROPHICATION , *WETLANDS , *MINE waste , *SOIL profiles , *HALOPHYTES , *AMARANTHACEAE - Abstract
Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of combining liming and vegetation for the phytomanagement of strongly acidic, saline eutrophic wetlands polluted by mine wastes. Simulated soil profiles were constructed and four treatments were assayed: without liming+without plant, without liming+with plant, with liming+without plant and with liming+with plant. The plant species was the halophyte Sarcocornia fruticosa. Three horizons were differentiated: A (never under water), C1 (alternating flooding–drying conditions) and C2 (always under water). The soluble Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn concentrations were measured regularly for 18weeks and a sequential extraction procedure was applied at the end of the experiment. Liming was effective (between ∼70% and ∼100%) in reducing the soluble Zn, Cu and Pb. In contrast, soluble Mn and Cd increased with liming, especially in the treatment with liming+with plant, where the concentrations were 2-fold higher than in the non-limed treatments. The amendment increased the contents of Zn, Mn and Cd bound to potentially-mobilisable soil fractions at the expense of the most-environmentally-inert fractions. Hence, the combined use of liming and vegetation may increase the long-term environmental risk of metals solubilisation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
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- 2013
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41. Effects of various salts on the germination of three perennial salt marsh species
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Vicente, María José, Conesa, Encarnación, Álvarez-Rogel, José, Franco, José Antonio, and Martínez-Sánchez, Juan José
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PLANT physiology , *ALLELOPATHY , *CROP physiology , *DORMANCY in plants - Abstract
Abstract: We studied the germination responses of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Juncus acutus and Schoenus nigricans to saline stress caused by different salt types. The germination percentage and mean time to germination data were obtained by incubating seeds for 30d in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5% saline solutions of NaCl, MgCl2, MgSO4 and Na2SO4 at 30/20°C and with a 12h photoperiod. A. macrostachyum was the most tolerant species to salinity during the germination (65% in 2% NaCl). S. nigricans showed the lowest germination (none germinated in salt and only 26% in distilled water). J. acutus showed intermediate behaviour between the two above species, its germination being inhibited by high salt concentrations. The sulphates had less inhibitory effect than the equivalent chloride concentrations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
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- 2007
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42. Nutrient limitation determines the suitability of a municipal organic waste for phytomanaging metal(loid) enriched mine tailings with a pine-grass co-culture.
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Martínez-Oró, Duli, Párraga-Aguado, Isabel, Querejeta, Jose-Ignacio, Álvarez-Rogel, José, and Conesa, Héctor M.
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ORGANIC wastes , *ORGANOMETALLIC compounds , *BIOMASS , *BIOTIC communities , *GREENHOUSE gases - Abstract
Abstract The suitable phytomanaging of mine tailings not only requires an improvement of soil fertility but also the assessment of the biotic interactions between the selected plant species. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an organic amendment on the response of two plant species of contrasting habit, a tree, Pinus halepensis and a grass, Piptatherum miliaceum growing on a metal(loid)-contaminated substrate collected from mine tailings. Pots containing single plant individuals or their combination, with and without organic amendment (at 10% rate), were established and grown in a greenhouse for 13 months. Plant biomass, foliar ionome, leaf δ15N and metal(loid) concentrations were measured at the end of the experiment. The amendment alleviated P deficiency in the substrate and strongly stimulated biomass production by both plant species (10-fold for pine; 90-fold for the grass), leading to more balanced N/P ratios in leaves (especially for the grass). Co-culture with the grass negatively affected pine growth, decreasing total biomass and leaf δ15N values and inducing severe N deficiency (leaf N/P ratio<10). In contrast, co-culture with pine improved the nutrient status and growth of the grass, but only under non-amended conditions. Needle metal(loid) concentrations in P. halepensis were affected by both amendment addition and co-culture with the grass. High biomass growth with low metal(loid) concentrations in P. miliaceum leaves for the amended treatment makes this grass species suitable for the phytomanagement of metal(loid) polluted tailings, since it achieves high biomass production together with low concentrations of metal(loid)s in edible/senescent parts. Highlights • Co-culture modulated plant performance in amended treatments. • Co-culture with the grass P.miliaceum negatively affected pine (P.halepensis) growth. • P.miliaceum showed higher competitive ability when co-cultured with P.halepensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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43. Denitrification of saline agricultural effluents (brine from groundwater desalination plants and agricultural leachates) in woodchip bioreactors in the SE of Spain
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Díaz García, Carolina, Martínez Sánchez, Juan José, Álvarez Rogel, José, and Ingeniería Agronómica
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Calidad de las aguas ,Regeneración del agua ,Agricultura ,Producción Vegetal ,Cultivos de regadío ,Control de la contaminación del agua ,2508.11 Calidad de las Aguas - Abstract
[SPA] El Campo de Cartagena (1316 km2) se localiza en la Región de Murcia (sureste de España) y es una de las principales cuencas dedicadas a la agricultura intensiva de regadío en Europa. A pesar deser un territorio de clima semiárido (temperatura media anual 18 ̊C; precipitación media anual ≈300 mm; evapotranspiración media anual 1275 mm), las áreas de regadío intensivo cubren actualmente entre el 30 y el 38 % de la cuenca (≈40 000 -50 000 ha).Constituye uno de los principales proveedores de productos hortícolas y cítricos de los mercados europeos. Durante muchos años, los efluentes de las actividades agrícolas, así como los vertidos de plantas depuradoras de aguas residuales urbanas y filtraciones de redes de alcantarillado, se estuvieron vertiendo a las agua superficiales y subterráneas enriqueciéndolas en nutrientes, principalmente nitratos, pero también fósforo y materia orgánica. Una de las masas de agua más afectadas ha sido el acuífero Cuaternario, cuyas concentraciones de NO3--Nse encuentran entre 22 y 34 mg NO3--N L−1, llegando a 30 –45 mg NO3--N L−1en algunas zonas. Sin embargo, a pesar de tener mala calidad, el agua subterránea, que se extrae por mediode pozos ubicados en las propias fincas y explotaciones agrícolas, constituye uno de los principales suministros hídricos para el regadío. No obstante, para poder utilizarla es necesario desalobrarla. Este proceso, que se realiza habitualmente en desalobradoras instaladas en las explotaciones agrícolas, genera un residuo, la salmuera, altamente salino y con elevadas concentraciones de nitratos, que puede desencadenar procesos de eutrofización si se vierte a las agua superficiales y subsuperficiales. De hecho, grandes volúmenes de estas masas de agua contaminadas por nitrato descargan en el Mar Menor, bien por vía superficial o subsuperficial, aportando así toneladas de nutrientes que han perjudicado gravemente a esta laguna. Todo ello llevó a la Comunidad Europea a declarar la zona Mar Menor-Campo de Cartagena como Zona Vulnerable a la Contaminación por Nitratos bajo la Directiva 91/676/EEC. El Mar Menor es la laguna hipersalina costera más grande de la cuenca mediterránea. Su singularidad y su elevado valor ambiental han sido reconocidos internacionalmente de modo que fue incluida en la Convención de Ramsar como humedal de importancia internacional, está declarada como Zona Especialmente Protegida de Importancia para el Mediterráneo (ZEPIM) y forma parte dela Red Natura 2000 como Lugar de Importancia Comunitaria (LIC) y como Zona de Especial Protección para las Aves (ZEPA) [ENG] The Campo de Cartagena watershed (1316 km2), Murcia Region, located in the southeast of Spain, is one of the main agricultural fertigation areas within Europe. Despite being a dryland territory, agricultural fertigation areas currently cover about 30–38% of the basin (≈ 40000–50000 ha). The areais a major supplier to European markets, particularly of horticulture products and citrus.For many years, effluents from agricultural activities, as well as from municipal wastewater treatment plants and sewage networks, have led to surface and subsurface water bodies being enriched in nutrients, mainly nitrate, but also phosphorus and organic matter. Of particular concern is the high nitrate content in the Quaternary aquifer (22 to 34 mg NO3--NL−1, reaching 30–45 mg NO3--N L−1in some sectors). To support the intensive fertigation agriculture,one of the main water resourcesconsists ofgroundwater withdrawal and desalinization. However, this activity implies significant environmental impacts since the brine (wastewater resulting from desalination)contains a high concentration of nitrate.Most of the nutrients present in the water bodies have reached the Mar Menor lagoon through surface and subsurface discharges. The MarMenor is the largest coastal hypersaline lagoon in the Mediterranean basin. Itis included in the Ramsar Convention of wetlandsand is a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (SPAMI), a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA). Escuela Internacional de Doctorado de la Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena Programa Doctorado en Técnicas Avanzadas en Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario
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- 2021
44. Functional and ecotoxicological soil regeneration in abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings from semiarid Mediterranean environments spontaneously colonized by vegetation
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Antonio Peñalver Alcalá, González Alcaraz, María Nazaret, Álvarez Rogel, José, Ingeniería Agronómica, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional
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Mediterranean climate ,Química de suelos ,2511.01 Bioquímica de Suelos ,Forestry ,Microbiología de suelos ,Tailings ,Edafología y Química Agrícola ,medicine ,Environmental science ,Ecotoxicity ,medicine.symptom ,Bioquímica de suelos ,Regeneration (ecology) ,Vegetation (pathology) ,Biología de suelos ,Phytomanagement ,Mine wastes ,Organic amendments - Abstract
[SPA] La minería metálica es una de las actividades más perjudiciales para el medio ambiente a nivel mundial, entre otros motivos debido a la alta cantidad de residuos potencialmente peligrosos con elevada concentración de metales y metaloides (elementos potencialmente tóxicos, PTEs) que produce. Además, las excavaciones y movimientos de tierra pueden llevar a la destrucción completa de las áreas afectadas y sus alrededores. Los depósitos de almacenamiento de residuos (grandes pilas al aire libre que almacenan residuos fangosos procedentes de lavaderos de mineral) son especialmente preocupantes, ya que presentan las mayores concentraciones de PTEs y muchas veces se abandonan in situ tras el cese de la actividad minera sin ninguna medida de restauración. Los suelos de los depósitos mineros se forman a partir de los residuos que éstos almacenan. Aparte de presentar niveles extremadamente altos de PTEs, se caracterizan generalmente por una alta salinidad, valores extremos de pH (de ácido a alcalino), baja disponibilidad de materia orgánica y nutrientes, y falta de estructura edáfica que conduce a una escasa capacidad de retención de agua y de aireación. Entre otras cosas, esto dificulta el crecimiento de la vegetación provocando que muchas veces la superficie de los depósitos permanezca desnuda, favoreciendo la propagación de PTEs a las áreas adyacentes. Las condiciones hostiles impuestas por los residuos mineros no sólo obstaculizan la colonización de las plantas sino también la biodiversidad del suelo, lo que a menudo da lugar a escasa actividad biológica en los suelos de los depósitos. Son suelos con baja capacidad para albergar organismos vivos y, por consiguiente, para desarrollar procesos biológicos. Esto provoca que la funcionalidad de los suelos de los depósitos mineros sea muy limitada, así como su capacidad para proporcionar servicios ecosistémicos. Las técnicas convencionales de remediación de depósitos mineros se basan en soluciones de ingeniería tales como operaciones de remoción y/o aislamiento in situ mediante sellado y plantación. Sin embargo, estas opciones son generalmente costosas y/o técnicamente difíciles de implementar y eso dificulta su implantación. Otras opciones, que pueden ser complementarias a las técnicas de ingeniería, son las técnicas de fitomanejo. El fitomanejo comprende un conjunto de alternativas más baratas y respetuosas con el medio ambiente que buscan manejar el sistema suelo-planta mediante el uso de enmiendas de suelo y/o la introducción de especies de plantas tolerantes a las condiciones extremas de estos ambientes, para controlar la dispersión de PTEs. Dentro del fitomanejo, la fitoestabilización tiene como objetivo reducir la movilidad de los PTEs y/o su (bio)disponibilidad a través de la absorción y/o fijación en las raíces, y/o la inmovilización en el suelo por fenómenos como la precipitación, adsorción, oxidación, reducción, para evitar su entrada en la cadena trófica, así como su migración a las aguas subterráneas. Un proceso que puede ayudar a implementar las técnicas de fitoestabilización es la denominada restauración pasiva, que se basa en la capacidad de las plantas nativas para colonizar y crecer espontáneamente en lugares perturbados. Este fenómeno conduce a la formación de parches de vegetación (llamados a veces islas de fertilidad) cuyos suelos suelen mostrar un mayor contenido de C y N orgánicos y una mayor actividad microbiana que las áreas desnudas adyacentes. Esto es particularmente interesante cuando los depósitos mineros están ubicados en mitad de áreas naturales (por ejemplo, zonas boscosas) rodeados de vegetación que puede esparcir propágulos y semillas que alcanzan con facilidad los depósitos abandonados. En este sentido, favorecer el establecimiento de especies nativas en los depósitos ayuda a crear puntos de nucleación en éstos y a desencadenar la expansión de la vegetación en su superficie. Entre otros, este proceso podría verse favorecido por la adición de enmiendas orgánicas al suelo, como biochar y residuos sólidos urbanos (RSU), que inmovilicen los metal(oid)es y mejoren las condiciones de los suelos. El objetivo general de la Tesis Doctoral fue profundizar en el conocimiento de los aspectos físicos, fisicoquímicos, funcionales y ecotoxicológicos en suelos de depósitos abandonados de minería metálica de ambientes semiáridos Mediterráneos y su relación con la colonización vegetal espontánea, y valorar si la adición de enmiendas orgánicas contribuye a mejorar estos ecosistemas al promover la recuperación de la funcionalidad del suelo y desencadenar la colonización espontánea de la vegetación. Para lograr este objetivo general, se plantearon tres objetivos específicos: 1. Evaluar en qué grado pueden modificarse las condiciones del suelo tras la colonización espontánea de la vegetación en depósitos abandonados de minería metálica, y aportar evidencias sobre el interés de esta colonización para el fitomanejo de estos depósitos. 2. Evaluar en qué medida la colonización vegetal espontánea de depósitos abandonados de minería metálica da lugar a una mejora funcional del suelo e identificar, si es posible, un nivel crítico que indique que esta funcionalidad se aproxima a la de los suelos naturales con vegetación de las áreas circundantes. 3. Evaluar la eficacia de una enmienda orgánica compuesta por biochar (procedente de podas de árboles) y compost de RSU para mejorar las condiciones de suelos ácidos sin cubierta vegetal en depósitos de residuos mineros y valorar si los efectos de dicha enmienda persisten estacionalmente durante un año y favorecen la colonización vegetal espontánea. El área de estudio seleccionada fue el antiguo distrito minero de Cartagena-La Unión (≈50 km2; Región de Murcia, SE España), cuya actividad finalizó en 1991. La zona presenta un clima semiárido Mediterráneo (precipitación media anual ≈200-300 mm, temperatura media anual ≈17 °C, y tasa media anual de evapotranspiración ≈850 mm). La vegetación natural está constituida principalmente por arbustos xerófilos mediterráneos y bosques de pino carrasco (Pinus halepensis). Los principales metales extraídos en la zona fueron Fe, Pb y Zn, obtenidos de minerales como carbonatos, sulfuros y sulfatos. En la actualidad, permanecen en la zona 89 depósitos mineros abandonados, la mayoría de ellos sin ningún tipo de intervención de restauración. El estudio se llevó a cabo en dos de estos depósitos, separados por una distancia de ≈2000 m y construidos a mediados de los años 60 para almacenar los residuos de las minas de galena (PbS), y en las áreas forestales circundantes. Ambos depósitos (ubicados a ≈170-200 m sobre el nivel del mar y situados en pequeños valles de orientación NW a SE) fueron abandonados hace ≈40 años y han sido parcialmente colonizados por la vegetación nativa formando parches irregulares que cubren entre ≈20% y ≈50% de las superficies. A finales de abril-inicios mayo de 2017 se seleccionaron seis ambientes diferentes para el estudio, estableciendo cuatro parcelas de muestreo de 2 m x 2 m en cada uno de ellos: A) Dentro de los depósitos mineros. 1. Suelos desnudos (B); 2. Parches con pequeños grupos de árboles de P. halepensis creciendo dispersos de ≈2,5-5 m de alto (P); 3. Parches formados por árboles aislados de P. halepensis creciendo dispersos de >≈4-5 m de alto arbustos y hierbas bajo su copa (P+S); 4. Parches densos que incluyen varios árboles de P. halepensis de >≈4-5 m de altura y arbustos y hierbas bajo su copa (DP+S). B) Fuera de los depósitos mineros. 5. Bosque situado junto a los depósitos mineros con árboles de P. halepensis de >≈5 m de altura y arbustos y hierbas bajo su copa (FN); 6. Bosque situado lejos de los depósitos mineros (≈1600-1800 m) con árboles de P. halepensis de >≈5 m de altura y arbustos y hierbas bajo su copa (FA). Además, en los suelos desnudos dentro de los depósitos se establecieron cuatro parcelas adicionales para un experimento de adición de enmiendas al suelo (AB). Los resultados de la Tesis Doctoral se presentan en tres capítulos: Capítulo 5. Incluye el trabajo planificado para responder al primer objetivo específico, basado en una campaña de trabajo de campo realizada en el verano de 2017. Se evaluaron un conjunto de indicadores del suelo (físicos, fisicoquímicos y biológicos) en condiciones de campo y laboratorio en los ambientes B, P, P+S, DP+S, FN y FA. Los resultados evidencian el interés de la colonización espontánea por parte de la vegetación nativa para el fitomanejo de depósitos de minería metálica, en términos de proporcionar funcionalidad al ecosistema. En los parches de vegetación dentro de los depósitos se encontraron especies de plantas pioneras y nodrizas (favorecedoras de la sucesión vegetal) y los índices ecológicos de vegetación en P+S y DP+S fueron similares a FN y FA. En los suelos de los parches se encontraron evidencias de pedogénesis, como el desarrollo de estructura edáfica y el aumento de la capacidad de intercambio catiónico y el C y N orgánicos, siguiendo un patrón de aumento/mejora B-P-P+S-DP+S. Sin embargo, los contenidos de metal(oid)es del suelo no siguieron el mismo patrón de variación. Por ejemplo (en mg kg-1): P mostró el valor máximo de Cu (≈277) y Zn (≈17860) totales, mientras que P+S de As (≈1250) y Pb (≈14570) totales. B tuvo el máximo de Pb (≈4) y Zn (≈207) solubles en agua, mientras que FA de As (≈0,192) y Cu (≈0,149). El C de la biomasa microbiana del suelo, la actividad enzimática, la respiración de suelo (emisión de CO2), la descomposición de la materia orgánica y la actividad alimentaria de los invertebrados edáficos indicaron una actividad biológica similar o incluso superior en P+S y DP+S que en FN y FA. De hecho, FA mostró alto riesgo de ecotoxicidad del suelo (reproducción reducida del invertebrado Enchytraeus crypticus), atribuible a las altas concentraciones de As soluble en agua. Por lo tanto, de estos resultados se deduce que la vegetación que coloniza espontáneamente los depósitos de residuos mineros puede modificar eficazmente sus suelos, que adquieren la capacidad de proporcionar ciertas funciones del ecosistema. Los resultados de este trabajo fueron publicados en el artículo científico: Álvarez-Rogel, J., Peñalver-Alcalá, A., Jiménez-Cárceles, F.J., Tercero, M.C., González-Alcaraz, M.N. 2021. Evidence supporting the value of spontaneous vegetation for phytomanagement of soil ecosystem functions in abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings. Catena 201, 105191; doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2021.105191. Capítulo 6. Este capítulo incluye el trabajo planificado para responder al segundo objetivo específico, basado en una campaña de trabajo de campo realizada en la primavera de 2018. Se estudiaron los índices ecológicos de la vegetación, las formas de vida de las plantas y los roles funcionales de éstas, junto con parámetros fisicoquímicos y funcionales de los suelos, en los ambientes B, P, P+S, DP+S, FN y FA. Los parches de vegetación solo mostraron pequeñas diferencias en los parámetros fisicoquímicos relacionados con las condiciones de estrés abiótico del suelo (pH, salinidad y metales), independientemente de la vegetación. Sin embargo, parches de vegetación con mayor diversidad y riqueza de especies y presencia de plantas con mayor contraste de formas de vida y rasgos funcionales más diversos que facilitan el crecimiento de especies menos tolerantes al estrés, mostraron un aumento de la funcionalidad microbiana del suelo (mayor C de la biomasa microbiana, actividad β-glucosidasa, actividad metabólica bacteriana y diversidad funcional). Además, estos parches de vegetación mostraron un estado funcional del suelo comparable al de los bosques fuera de los depósitos mineros. Los resultados de este trabajo fueron publicados en el artículo científico: Peñalver-Alcalá, A., Álvarez-Rogel, J., Peixoto, S., Silva, I., Silva, A.R.R., González-Alcaraz, M.N. 2021. The relationships between functional and physicochemical soil parameters in metal(loid) mine tailings from Mediterranean semiarid areas support the value of spontaneous vegetation colonization for phytomanagement. Ecological Engineering 168: 106293; doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2021.106293. Capítulo 7. Este capítulo incluye el trabajo planificado para responder al tercer objetivo específico. En abril de 2017 se aplicó una enmienda orgánica consistente en una mezcla de 3:1 de biochar y RSU compostado (dosis de 3% peso seco) a suelos ácidos (pH ≈5,5) sin vegetación de uno de los depósitos mineros. Las concentraciones de metal(oid)es totales en los suelos enmendados fueron (en mg kg-1): As ≈220, Cd ≈40, Mn ≈1800, Pb ≈5300 y Zn ≈8600. Dos meses después de la adición de la enmienda ya se observaron mejoras en las propiedades químicas y fisicoquímicas de los suelos (reducción de la acidez, salinidad y metales solubles en agua y aumento del contenido de C orgánico y nutrientes), que resultó en una reducción de la ecotoxicidad para el invertebrado edáfico Enchytraeus crypticus. El C orgánico recalcitrante proporcionado por el biochar permaneció en el suelo, mientras que los compuestos orgánicos lábiles proporcionados por el RSU se consumieron con el tiempo. Estas mejoras fueron consistentes durante al menos un año y condujeron a una menor densidad aparente, mayor capacidad de retención de agua y mayores niveles para los parámetros microbianos y relacionados con funcionalidad (C de la biomasa microbiana, actividad microbiana catabólica y emisión de CO2) en el suelo enmendado del depósito. El crecimiento espontáneo de la vegetación nativa se favoreció con la adición de enmiendas, pero fue necesario un periodo de tres años para que las plantas colonizadoras persistieran y alcanzaran tamaño adulto. Los resultados de este trabajo fueron publicados en el artículo científico: Peñalver-Alcalá, A., Álvarez-Rogel, J., Conesa, H.M., González-Alcaraz, M.N. 2021. Biochar and urban solid refuse ameliorate the inhospitality of acidic mine tailings and foster effective spontaneous plant colonization under semiarid climate. Journal of Environmental Management 292: 112824; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112824. Las conclusiones generales de la Tesis Doctoral son tres: 1) La colonización vegetal espontánea de depósitos abandonados de minera metálica de zonas semiáridas Mediterráneas induce mejora de las condiciones físicas, fisicoquímicas, funcionales y ecotoxicológicas del suelo, independientemente de los niveles de meta(oid)es totales. 2) La riqueza y diversidad de especies vegetales con formas de vida diferentes y rasgos funcionales distintos parecen ser factores clave para lograr una mejora funcional efectiva del suelo en los parches de vegetación de depósitos mineros espontáneamente colonizados. 3) La combinación de biochar de podas de árboles y RSU compostado es, en general, una enmienda adecuada para mejorar los suelos ácidos de depósitos de residuos mineros, promoviendo su recuperación funcional y desencadenando la colonización espontánea de la vegetación. [ENG] Metal mining is one of the most environmentally detrimental activities worldwide, among others, due to the high load of (hazardous) wastes disposed. Mining can cause extreme impacts on the affected ecosystem(s), which can lead to multi-elemental pollution problems and, in some cases, to the complete destruction of the affected areas and their surroundings. Of particular concern are the so-called mine tailings (open-air piles that store muddy residues), which are, on many occasions, abandoned in situ after the mining activity ceases without any restoration. Mine tailings soils are formed from the mine wastes they store. Apart from extremely high metal(loid) levels, they are generally characterized by high salinity, extreme pH values (from acid to alkaline), low availability of organic matter and nutrients, and lack of physical structure that leads to reduced water retention capacity and aeration. Among others, this tends to cause lack of vegetation and that tailing surfaces remain bare, favoring the spread of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) to adjacent areas. The hostile conditions imposed by tailing wastes not only hinder plant colonization but also soil biodiversity, often leading to low-biologically active tailing soils (soils with low capacity to shelter living organisms and, consequently, to support biological processes). Thereby, the functionality of mine tailings soils is often restricted, as well as their capacity to provide ecosystem services. Conventional mine tailings remediation techniques are based on engineering solutions such as removal operations and/or on-site isolation by sealing and afforestation. However, these options are generally expensive and/or technically difficult to implement. Other options, which can be complementary to engineering ones, are phytomanagement techniques. Phytomanagement comprises a set of cheaper and environmentally friendly alternatives that seek to manipulate the soil-plant system (by using soil amendments and/or tolerant plants) to control the fluxes of pollutants in the environment. Within phytomanagement, phytostabilization aims to reduce pollutants mobility and (bio)availability via root uptake, precipitation or reduction to prevent their entry into the food chain as well as their migration to groundwater. Phytostabilization can take advantage of the so-called passive restoration that relies on the capability of native plants to colonize and grow spontaneously in disturbed places. This phenomenon leads to the formation of vegetated patches (fertility islands) whose soils usually show higher contents of soil organic C and N and higher microbial activity than the adjacent surrounding barren areas. This is particularly interesting when mine tailings are embedded in vegetated areas that can spread propagules and seeds to tailings. In this sense, favoring the natural recruitment of native species might help to create nucleation spots and to trigger vegetation expansion within mine tailings. Among others, this process could be favored by the addition of soil organic amendments, as biochar and urban solid refuse (USR), which immobilize metal(loid)s and improve the conditions of tailing soils. The general objective of the PhD Thesis was to deepen the knowledge of physical, physicochemical, functional and ecotoxicological aspects in soils of abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings from Mediterranean semiarid environments and their relationship with spontaneous plant colonization, and whether the addition of organic amendments contributes to improving these ecosystems by promoting the recovery of soil functionality and triggering the spontaneous colonization of vegetation. To achieve this general objective, three specific objectives were raised: 1. To evaluate in which degree soil conditions can be modified following spontaneous vegetation colonization in abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings, and to provide evidence about the interest of this colonization for the phytomanagement of these structures. 2. To assess to what degree spontaneous plant colonization of abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings led to functional soil improvement and to identify, if possible, a critical level indicating that this functionality was moving towards that of the natural vegetated soils from the surrounding areas. 3. To assess the effectiveness of an organic amendment composed of biochar from pruning trees and compost from USR to ameliorate the conditions of barren metal(loid) acidic mine tailings soils and if these effects persist seasonally over a year, and whether the organic amendment favors spontaneous plant colonization. The selected study area was the former metal mining district of Cartagena‐La Unión (≈50 km2; Murcia Region, SE Spain), which ended its activity in 1991. The area presents a Mediterranean semiarid climate (mean annual precipitation ≈200-300 mm, mean annual temperature ≈17 °C, and mean annual evapotranspiration rate ≈850 mm) and the natural vegetation is mainly constituted by xerophytic shrubs and small formations of pine trees (Pinus halepensis). The principal metals extracted were Fe, Pb and Zn, obtained from minerals such as carbonates, sulfides, and sulfates. At present, 89 mine tailings remain in the area, most of them abandoned without any type of intervention. Specifically, the study was conducted in two mine tailings ≈2000 m apart built by mid-60’s to store wastes from mines exploiting galena ore, and in the surrounding forest areas. Both tailings (similar altitude, ≈170-200 m a.s.l., and embedded in small valleys NW to SE facing) were abandoned ≈40 years ago and have been partially colonized by native vegetation in a patchy structure with covers between ≈20% and ≈50%. One environment devoid of vegetation and five different types of vegetated environments inside and outside of the mine tailings were selected in April-May 2017. The environments studied were (four plots of 2 m x 2 m per environment): A) Four inside the mine tailings. 1. Bare soils (B); 2. Patches with small groups of P. halepensis trees ≈2.5-5 m high growing scattered (P); 3. Patches formed by isolated P. halepensis trees >≈4-5 m high growing scattered with shrubs and herbs under the canopy (P+S); 4. Dense patches including several P. halepensis trees >≈4-5 m high and shrubs and herbs under the canopy (DP+S). B) Two outside the mine tailings. 5. Forest located next to the mine tailings with P. halepensis trees >≈5 m high and shrubs and herbs under the canopy (FN); 6. Forest located away from the mine tailings (≈1600-1800 m) with P. halepensis trees >≈5 m high and shrubs and herbs under the canopy (FA). In addition, in bare soils, four additional plots were established for a soil amendment addition experiment (AB). The following three chapters include the results of the PhD Thesis: Chapter 5. This chapter includes the work planned to respond to the first specific objective, based on the field work campaign carried out in summer 2017. A set of soil indicators (physical, physicochemical and biological) were evaluated under field and laboratory conditions in B, P, P+S, DP+S, FN and FA environments. The results provide evidence about the interest of spontaneous colonization by native vegetation for the phytomanagement of abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings in terms of providing ecosystem functions. Pioneer and nurse plant species (which are facilitation plants that favor succession phenomena) were mainly found inside the tailings, although vegetation ecological indexes in P+S and DP+S were similar to FN and FA. Pedogenesis evidence such as structure development and increase in cation exchange capacity, organic C and N were found in tailing soils from B to DP+S. However, soil metal(loid)s did not follow the same variation pattern. For example (in mg kg-1): P showed the maximum total Cu (≈277) and Zn (≈17,860), while P+S of As (≈1250) and Pb (≈14,570). B had the maximum water soluble Pb (≈4) and Zn (≈207), while FA of As (≈0.192) and Cu (≈0.149). Soil microbial biomass C, enzyme activity, CO2 emission, organic matter decomposition and feeding activity of soil dwelling organisms indicated similar, or even higher, biological activity in P+S and DP+S than in FN and FA. In fact, FA showed the highest soil ecotoxicity risk (reduced reproduction of the soil invertebrate Enchytraeus crypticus). Therefore, mine tailing soils can be effectively modified following spontaneous vegetation colonization, achieving conditions with capacity to provide certain ecosystem functions. The results of this work were published in the following scientific paper: Álvarez-Rogel, J., Peñalver-Alcalá, A., Jiménez-Cárceles, F.J., Tercero, M.C., González-Alcaraz, M.N. 2021. Evidence supporting the value of spontaneous vegetation for phytomanagement of soil ecosystem functions in abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings. Catena 201, 105191; doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2021.105191. Chapter 6. This chapter includes the work planned to respond to the second specific objective, based on the field work campaign carried out in spring 2018. Vegetation ecological indexes, plant life forms and species functional roles, together with physicochemical and functional soils parameters, were studied in B, P, P+S, DP+S, FN and FA environments. Vegetated patches showed only small differences in physicochemical parameters related to soil abiotic stress conditions (pH, salinity and metals), regardless of the vegetation. However, vegetated patches with greater species diversity and richness and presence of plants with contrasted life forms and functional traits that facilitate the growth of less stress-tolerant species showed an increase of soil microbial functionality (higher microbial biomass C, β-glucosidase activity, bacterial metabolic activity, and functional diversity). Moreover, these vegetated patches showed a functional soil status comparable to that of the forests outside the mine tailings. The results of this work were published in the following scientific paper: Peñalver-Alcalá, A., Álvarez-Rogel, J., Peixoto, S., Silva, I., Silva, A.R.R., González-Alcaraz, M.N. 2021. The relationships between functional and physicochemical soil parameters in metal(loid) mine tailings from Mediterranean semiarid areas support the value of spontaneous vegetation colonization for phytomanagement. Ecological Engineering 168: 106293; doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2021.106293. Chapter 7. This chapter includes the work planned to respond to the third specific objective. In April 2017, an organic amendment consisting of a 3:1 mixture of biochar and composted USR was applied (3% d.w. dose) to acidic barren areas of one of the mine tailings (pH ≈5.5). Total metal(loid) concentrations in the amended soils were (in mg kg-1): As ≈220, Cd ≈40, Mn ≈1800, Pb ≈5300, and Zn ≈8600. Two months after amendment addition were enough to observe improvements in chemical and physicochemical tailing soil properties (reduced acidity, salinity and water soluble metals and increased organic C and nutrients content), which resulted in lowered ecotoxicity for the soil invertebrate E. crypticus. Recalcitrant organic C provided by biochar remained in soil whereas labile organic compounds provided by USR were consumed over time. These improvements were consistent for at least one year and led to lower bulk density, higher water retention capacity and higher scores for microbial/functional-related parameters (microbial biomass C, microbial catabolic activity, and CO2 emission) in the amended tailing soil. Spontaneous growth of native vegetation was favored with amendment addition, but adult plants of remarkable size were only found after three years. The results of this work were published in the following scientific paper: Peñalver-Alcalá, A., Álvarez-Rogel, J., Conesa, H.M., González-Alcaraz, M.N. 2021. Biochar and urban solid refuse ameliorate the inhospitality of acidic mine tailings and foster effective spontaneous plant colonization under semiarid climate. Journal of Environmental Management 292: 112824; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112824. The general conclusions of the PhD Thesis are three: 1) Spontaneous vegetation colonization of abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings from Mediterranean semiarid areas induces improvement of physical, physicochemical, functional and ecotoxicological soil conditions regardless of total metal(loid) levels. 2) Plant species richness and diversity with contrasting life forms and functional traits seem to be key factors for achieving effective functional soil improvement in spontaneously vegetated mine tailings patches. 3) The combination of biochar from pruning trees and composted URS is, in general, a suitable amendment to improve barren acidic mine tailing soils, by promoting their functional recovery and triggering spontaneous vegetation colonization. Esta Tesis se ha realizado bajo la financiación del siguiente proyecto: “Funcionalidad y resiliencia de suelos frente al cambio climático en ambientes mediterráneos contaminados por residuos mineros: aspectos ecotoxicológicos y uso de biochar para la remediación”, cofinanciado por el Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (proyecto RESCLICONT - CGL2016-80981-R) – Fondos FEDER. Escuela Internacional de Doctorado de la Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena Programa de Doctorado en Técnicas Avanzadas en Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario y Alimentario (TAIDA)
- Published
- 2021
45. Effects of eutrophic water flooding on nitrate concentrations in mine wastes
- Author
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González-Alcaraz, M. Nazaret, Egea, Consuelo, María-Cervantes, Antonio, Jiménez-Cárceles, Francisco J., and Álvarez-Rogel, José
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SALT marshes , *EUTROPHICATION , *HEAVY metals removal (Sewage purification) , *MINERAL industry waste disposal , *DENITRIFICATION , *OXIDATION-reduction reaction , *PHRAGMITES australis - Abstract
Abstract: Salt marshes near urban, industrial and mining areas are often affected both by heavy metals and by eutrophic water. The aim of this study was to assess and evaluate the main processes involved in the decrease of nitrate concentration in pore water of mine wastes flooded with eutrophic water, considering the presence or absence of plant rhizhosphere. Basic (pH∼7.8) carbonated loam mine wastes and free-carbonated acidic (pH∼6.2) sandy-loam mine wastes were collected from polluted coastal salt marshes of SE Spain which regularly receive nutrient-enriched water. The wastes were put in pots and flooded for 15 weeks with eutrophic water (dissolved organic carbon ∼26mgL−1, PO4 3− ∼23mgL−1, NO3 − ∼180mgL−1). Three treatments were assayed for each type of waste: pots with Sarcocornia fruticosa, pots with Phragmites australis and unvegetated pots. Soluble organic carbon, nitrate, soluble Cd, Pb and Zn, pH and Eh were monitored. But the 2nd day of flooding, nitrate concentrations had decreased between 70% and 90% (equivalent to 1.01–1.12gN-NO3 − m−2 day−1) with respect to the content in the water used for flooding, except in unvegetated pots with acidic wastes. Denitrification was the main mechanism associated with the removal of nitrate. The role of vegetation in improving the rhizospheric environment was relevant in the acidic wastes because higher sand content, lower pH and higher soluble metal concentrations might strongly hinder microbial activity Hence, revegetation of salt marshes polluted by acidic sandy mining wastes might improve the capacity of this type of environment to act as a green filter against excessive nitrate contents flowing through them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2011
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