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The combination of designed Technosols and revegetation is one of the favored remediation at medium-long term and valorization strategies for sulfide-rich tailings. The plant-Technosol interactions improve several physic-chemical characteristics of mine tailing material and reduce its environmental risk. However, the transfer of potentially hazardous elements (PHE) for the aerial parts of plants can pose toxicity risks for fauna and limitations on the commercial valorization of the crop (e.g., animal feed). The current study assessed, in sulfide-rich tailings recovered with a Technosol designed with eutrophic and alkaline properties: i)Yield and toxicity risk of a mixed pasture; ii)Environmental risk of the PHE leaching. Sulfide-rich tailing without Technosol was used as control. The current experiment was carried out in microcosm and greenhouse-controlled conditions for two consecutive growth cycles. Each plant pot had available for plant growth a surface of 200.96 c, 14 cm depth and ≈3 kg of Technosol+Sulfide tailing (1:2.5 m:m). A total of ≈13 g of seeds/pot was sown, one month after incubation of the materials (t0). Plant shoots dry weight was determined at what was considered the peak of each growth cycle, to estimate the crop yield. The PHE contents were determined in the dried plant shoots from each of sampling (t1 and t2: five and eight months after sowing, respectively) and in simulated soil pore water in t0 and t2. Sulfide-rich tailings presented pH≈2.7, very low fertility and high PHE concentrations in pore water. These conditions did not allow any germination of pasture. The designed Technosol improved several physic-chemical characteristics of the rich-sulfide tailings (e.g. increase of pH to ≈8, available nutrients and organic C, and decrease of PHE in pore water), allowing a significant pasture cover. The average yield of pasture was of 1.08 g and 1.05 g per pot, for t1 and t2, which correspond to an average yield of 0.530 t/ha. In general, PHE concentrations in plant shoots were within the range considered as sufficient/normal for plants and met the tolerable plant contents for agronomic crops (e.g., mg/kg- Cu: 14.76 and 8.95; Zn: 100.63 and 75.12; Fe: 305.26 and 417.79 for t1 and t2 respectively). By contrast, Mn concentration in plant shoots (mg/kg- t1:432.39; t2: 351.34) were above normal plant concentrations falling, in some cases, within the range considered as phytotoxic (>400 mg/kg). Nonetheless no visual signs of Mn phytotoxicity were observed. For animal diets, PHE concentrations in plant shoots were below the maximum allowable for pre-ruminants and ruminants, thus not preventing the use of plant shoots as feed. Although additional assays should be done in order to improve the pasture yield, this study showed that is possible a secure environmental rehabilitation of rich-sulfide tailings through this designed Technosol and the economic valorization of these recovered areas for pastures of domestic animals. Acknowledgment: This research was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (UID/AGR/04129/2020, Non-foodCropMine Project). The authors thank Minera Los Frailes for technical cooperation and providing access to the study area and field samples.

In the Iberian Pyrite Belt there are several small Mn abandoned mines, where soils developed on contaminated materials as well as those adjacent to contaminated areas have been converted by the local population into traditional agrosilvopastoral systems without any evaluation of their environmental risk. Although no visual symptoms of phytotoxicy have been observed in vegetation, there is no information about the potential environmental risk of these soils and vegetation, especially in the herbaceous cover grazed by domestic animals. The Fe–Mn mine located in Ferragudo (Portugal) was exploited between 1959 and 2001. Posteriorly this area was converted in an agrosilvopastoral system with Quercus ilex woodland with small tree density and cultivated grass species. In the present study a biogeochemical characterization of this abandoned mine area was done in order to evaluate the potential environmental risk of the grassland. Soil samples were collected in two depths until a maximum of 20 cm as well as the aerial part of grassland. Soils were analysed to potentially hazardous elements (PHE) concentrations in total and available fraction as well as to other classical parameters. In plants was also determined the PHE concentrations being these values compared to the maximum allowed value for domestic animals. Soils had a pH close to neutral and a good fertility. The concentrations of some PHE (e.g. Mn and Fe) in total soil fraction were higher than the average concentrations in non-contaminated soils of the region. However, the available concentrations were small. The elements concentrations in plants depended on element. In general, this agrosilvopastoral system did not pose a significant environmental risk.

In Portugal, there are numerous abandoned mines, many of them derived from an intense activity in massive sulfides. These areas have several environmental problems associated to extreme physicochemical characteristics of their wastes and leachates.In São Domingos mine, there is an additional environmental problem derived from the percolation of acid mine drainage over the slopes. This measure, used in environmental management of waters, contributed to the total degradation of the edaphic system and enrichment of bedrock in potentially toxic elements (PTE). A sustainable strategy for environmental recovery using Technosols, designed specifically for each contaminated or degraded material, has been evaluated in this scenario. A pilot area, with ​​1.5 ha, was rehabilitated by applying a 40 cm layer of Technosol with alkaline and eutrophic properties. A biodiverse plant system with herbaceous and shrubs was applied. The efficiency of the Technosol was evaluated at short-medium term by: a)several indicators associated to plant development (visual signs of phytotoxicity or nutritional deficiency, percentage of plant cover and height) after 15 days, 1, 3 and 6 months, and b)the maintenance of soil properties after 6 months. An area without Technosol application was used as control.In Control area, plant cover was low, with maximum values ​​of 8.8% in the third month and height Spergularia purpurea (dominant species identified) that already existed in the area.In the area with Technosol application, the plants did not show visible signs of phytotoxicity or nutritional deficiency. The percentage of plant cover increases rapidly. After 15 days plant cover was 10–30% and between first and third month, when there were warmer and dry conditions, the coverage increased to 70% and 90%, respectively. After 6 months, coinciding with a change in the vegetative cycle and very dry and hot period from summer, the vegetation only decrease ≈10%. The height varied between 40 to 60 cm, reaching these maximum values in the third month. The plant development remained during the monitoring period. This plant evolution shows the significant water-holding capacity and fertility of the Technosol.After 6 months, Technosol samples maintained the alkaline and eutrophic properties and physico-chemical characteristics (pH 7.5–7.8, 85 g C/kg, 6 g N/kg, Capacity of cation change 54.3–73 cmol+/kg). In the Technosol was not verified an enrichment by PTE, due to its direct contact with acidic and contaminated material. In Control area, the substrate maintained acidic reaction conditions (pH 3.5–3.6), very low fertility and high concentration of several elements.Application of the Technosol contributed to the environmental recovery of mine areas, with very acid material with multielementar contamination where it is inexistent an edaphic system. This green technology is an effective solution to the conversion non-productive areas to productive areas.Acknowledgment: This work was executed by EDM under a concession contract for environmental remediation of legacy mines in Portugal, in collaboration with ISA-ULisboa, LEAF and Inproyen, and was financed by POSEUR EC Cohesion Funds (145/POSEUR/2020). This research is into the scope of the project UID/AGR/04129/2020.

The São Domingos mine is within the Iberian Pyrite Belt, a mining district with large concentrations of polymetallic massive sulfide deposits. Mine waste heaps are considered extreme environments, since they contain high total concentrations of potentially hazardous elements (PHE), which contribute to inhibiting the development of most plants. Autochthonous plant species, such as

One of the major environmental concerns in the mining industry is the generation of acid leachates from tailings deposits, which are highly concentrated in potentially hazardous elements. The continuous processing of these leachates in treatment plant is unsustainable, so the in situ chemical improvement of the mine wastes and their leachates, mainly with another waste produced in the mining area, can reduce treatment and operational costs. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two types of domestic wastewaters (DWW) on the improvement of the chemical characteristics of the leachates generated from mine wastes containing sulfides. A mesocosm assay was performed under greenhouse and controlled conditions with mine wastes collected in La Zanja mining area (Peru). Three irrigation treatments were tested: untreated DWW, treated DWW and water as control. Percolated leachates of each treatment were collected once per week, for a period of 10 weeks. Electrical conductivity, pH and multi-elemental concentration were analysed. During the assay, the mine wastes generated acid leachates (≈4) with significant concentrations of elements (mg/L; Al: 1.4–30.0; Cd: 0.05–0.19; Cu: 5.7–22.1; Fe: 1.6–19.4; Mn: 2.6–26.0; Zn: 1.2–9.2) and sulfates (204.3–997.8 mg/L), which exceed the thresholds established by Peruvian legislations. After DWW application, pH in the leachates increased to ≈7 and concentrations of several studied elements (e.g. Al, As, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn) and sulfates decreased (>70% depending on DWW type, element and sampling) compared to the control. This fact allowed that the Environmental Quality standards from Peru (except for Cu and Mn) were reached. However, an enrichment of Na and K was obtained at the same leachates. At short term, the DWW application (especially untreated) on the mine wastes containing sulfides was effective in the improvement of the general chemical quality of their leachates. Moreover, the combined management of these two studied wastes (domestic wastewater and mine wastes) represents a promising cost-effective strategy during mining operation.

The ecophysiological behaviours (translocation and accumulation) of Fe and Mn in three aromatic species spontaneously growing in soils from the abandoned mine in Rosalgar (Setubal District, SW Portugal) were analysed in order to assess their potential impact on human health. Three different Lamiaceae species (Origanum vulgare subsp. virens, Calamintha nepeta subsp. glandulosa and Lavandula stoechas subsp. luisieri) were selected to determine their chemical compositions. The rhizosphere soil characteristics were also studied. Soils had a slightly acid pH, ranging from 5.6 to 6.4, and a low-medium fertility. The mean total contents of Mn and Fe in these soils were 13,605 mg/kg and 81,870 mg/kg, respectively. These values are higher than the average concentrations in non-contaminated soils in the region (737 mg Mn/kg and 36833 mg Fe/kg). The Mn concentration in the available fraction of these soils was also very high (467–1000 mg/kg). The Fe concentration in the soil available fraction was 69–124 mg/kg. Each species had a different accumulation pattern, as lavender is the only one that translocates Mn to the aerial part, where the concentration reaches a mean value of 890 mg/kg. This concentration is much higher than that observed in the other two species and is higher than the normal range for plants (10–500 mg Mn/kg). Two parameters were used to evaluate the risk posed to human health due to the consumption of O. vulgare and C. nepeta: the estimated daily intake (EDI) and the target hazard quotient (THQ). The EDIs of the studied elements in these two species, which are used for culinary purposes by the inhabitants of the region, were lower than the provisional tolerable daily intake value. Thus, their consumption for alimentary purposes is safe. On the other hand, the THQ values show that inhabitants who consume oregano and calamint may be exposed to health risks as the individual THQ for Mn was higher than unity.

Nowadays, the strategy for the rehabilitation of contaminated areas must include environmental improvements in an integral way, i.e. all the components of the ecosystem (soil, water and vegetation), and an economic approach. This can be achieved with the combined application of designed Technosols, which are done with organic/inorganic residues without an economic value or valorisation, and an agriculture system with tolerant plants with commercial value. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of rosemary crop (Rosmarinus officinalis), a plant species with aromatic and medicinal plant, in a recovery system of sulfide-rich wastes based on the superficial application of Technosols (layer with 20 cm of depth). For this, a mesocosm assay under controlled conditions and greenhouse was carried out during 18 months. The transplant survival and development of rosemary and its ecophysiological status was evaluated as well as the chemical characteristics of the Technosol and mine wastes located under it. Value-added compounds in bioextracts obtained from plants also were evaluated.The rosemary transplant had 100 % of survival in the Technosol and a great plant growth at medium-long term (18 months) was achieved (Height: 35-57 cm; Fresh biomass of shoots: 76.1-93.8 g). In fact, the plant development was significantly higher than in plants growing in peat under the same conditions (Height 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.

In active mines areas without environmental management plans or abandoned mines, the mineral processing and mining-waste disposal are common sources of pollution that can affect large areas comprising soils and waters. Inevitably this situation leads to a degradation of plant cover whether natural or planted. Thus, a sustainable recovery of mine tailings and contaminated soils, located inside or surrounding the mine area is necessary, especially with innovative strategies for in situ elements stabilization. Within different stabilization options, nanoremediation, i.e. amending with nanomaterials (usually Fe-based nanoparticles) alone or combined with other amendments, is an interesting approach. Most of the studies are focused on the immobilization of metal(oid)s by nanoparticles, however only a few works assess the effects of these amendments on contaminated soils on their microbiology and plants. For these reasons, the main scope of this study was the assessment of some biological indicators, namely several enzymatic activities in soils and plant development, of a contaminated mine soil amended with two different types of commercial nanoparticles (iron nanoparticles nZVI and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles) and their combinations with biochar (by PYREG Carbon Technology Solutions, was made from wood following the PYREG® methodology). The studied soil belongs to a broad mining area in NW Spain and it revealed high total concentrations of Cu and As (5000 and 300 mg/kg, respectively). The mine soil was amended in a factorial experiment in pots assay, under controlled conditions in greenhouse, with iron nanoparticles (nZVI), hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHP), biochar, and the combination of nZVI+biochar and nHP+biochar. In these pots was sown a commercial mixture of herbaceous plant species for pasture being monitored for 45 days. Plant cover was determined and once this assay time had elapsed, four enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase and urease) of the soil and biomass weight was analyzed.Only rye grass germinated. Same result was verified in the pot assay and independently of treatment. Plant cover in all treatments was similar reaching more than 80 %, however dry plant biomass varied. Notable differences were observed in the enzymatic activity among the soil amended only with nanoparticles, the soil amended with the combination of nanoparticles and biochar or biochar alone. In general, the application of studied amendments, alone or combined and compared to the control, increased the functioning of the overall microbial community and microbial communities associated to C and N cycling. The soil amended with biochar and biochar combined with nanoparticles presented a greater enzymatic activities in the soil compared to the direct application of nanoparticles. A differentiation in the some enzymatic activities (e.g. dehydrogenase and urease) with the nanoparticles type was verified. Acknowledgment: This work was supported by the research project NANOCAREM MCI-20-PID2019-106939GB-I00 (AEI/FEDER, UE) and Portuguese funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the scope of the project UID/AGR/04129/2020 (LEAF). The authors thanks the grants: Arenas-Lago D. (postdoc contract ED481D 2019/007) and Baragaño D. (Formación del Profesorado Universitario program) financed by of Xunta de Galicia and Universidade de Vigo and Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte de España, respectively.

Mine waste heaps can be considered extreme environments, due to their high concentrations of potentially hazardous elements (PHE). When PHE are combined with adverse physical characteristics and low contents of organic matter and nutrients, the development of the majority of plant species is impaired and the biodiversity of the area is severely reduced. The abandoned São Domingos mining area represents such an environment. It is located in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (South of the Iberian Peninsula) and has one of the largest concentrations of polymetallic massive sulfide deposits in Europe.Some autochthonous plant species are well adapted to extreme environments and are able to grow naturally in degraded areas, contributing to minimize the negative chemical impacts and improve the landscape quality. However, the environmental rehabilitation processes associated to the development of these plants (phytostabilization) are very slow and the combined use of materials/wastes that improve some physico-chemical characteristics of the matrix is necessary. This work studied the physiological response of C. salvifoliius, an autochthonous species, tolerant to growth in harsh environments, when grown in gossan mine wastes from the mine of São Domingos amended with organic/inorganic wastes. The amendments used were (g/kg of gossan): biomass ash (BA, 2.5), a mixture of organic residues (OR, 120) and a mixture of both (BA+OR).The amendments that comprised organic wastes (OR and BA+OR) gave rise to the best vegetative development, without visible signs of toxicity and with the lowest concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Plants grown in the presence of organic wastes also had better levels of cell redox status and a large pool of antioxidants. Although both roots and shoots of these plants had low levels of H2O2, in roots, both glutathione and ascorbate had high levels of oxidation.A successful environmental rehabilitation has to take into account both the amendments applied and also the growth and the ability of the plant cover to adapt to the adverse environmental conditions imposed upon it. Cistus salvifoliius was able to grow better and withstand the high PHE levels of the gossan material when organic matter was used as amendment. In those conditions, the plants had a more functional anti-oxidative system that enabled them to cope with oxidative stress. A better plant cover was achieved and chemical properties of the mine wastes were improved, such as lower concentrations of PHE in the available fraction, higher fertility and water-holding capacity.

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. 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.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.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.

Forest fires are increasing their recurrence, intensity and scale in Portugal, increasing also the vulnerability of this region of Southwestern Europe to the impacts of the climate change. In Portugal, several studies have been focusing the dynamic of cork oak forest after fires from tree level to landscape level. However few information is available about the impact of wildfires in the soil quality, namely C stock, and its evolution. This component of the ecosystem and the evolution of its characteristics can be related with the dynamics of the landscape in the post-fire period and its knowledge can help in the management and rehabilitation of plant-soil system.Serra do Caldeirão is located in Algarve region (S of Portugal). The soils are classified as Leptosols with low fertility. The landscape is characterized by cork oak forests with shrub cover which is dominated by Cistus species. To assess the distribution of total organic C in the study area, several soil sampling were intersected, on two sampling dates (2012 and 2013), with the vector information of the burned area in 2004. This information was intended to assess the temporal evolution of C concentration, depending on its location in a burnt or non-burnt area.In general, the burnt areas showed greater variability of C concentrations in soils collected in both the years, with maximum values ​​of 33.0 g/kg for 2012 and 36.5 g/kg for 2013. These maximum values ​​exceed those obtained for soils in non-burnt areas. Despite of this scenario, and independently of the year, no statistically significant differences were found in the C concentrations of the burnt plots and the control plots. For other chemical characteristics (e.g. nutrients), the variations depended on the area. Implementation of post-fire recovery measures and forest management of the areas can justify this variation.Acknowledgment: This work is co-financed by project REMAS (SOE3/P4/E0954) from Interreg SUDOE 2014-2020 program and is also financed by the FEDER Funds through the Operational Competitiveness Factors Program - COMPETE and by National Funds through FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology within the scope of the project UID/AGR/04129/2020 (LEAF) and the project UID/BIA/50027/2019 (CEABN/InBIO).

Metal mining is one of the activities that causes the greatest problems of environmental pollution around the world. The main consequences derived from this activity are the degradation of soils, and alteration/destruction of vegetation, hydrology, fauna, microclimate, topography and landscape quality. In South-East of the Iberian Peninsula is located the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB), one of the most important volcanogenic massive sulfide ore deposits in the world. The opencast and underground mining activities in this area generated large amounts of waste materials with high total concentrations of metal(loid)s. These materials also present other chemical and physical characteristics adverse to plant development such as low pH, water holding capacity, available nutrients and organic matter content, and unfavourable texture. However, some species have developed mechanisms of response to these stress conditions and have colonised spontaneously some contaminated soils/wastes in these areas from the IPB. In this study, we have investigated physiological behaviour of Cistus monspeliensis, a shrub adapted to Mediterranean conditions that grows in several contaminated and non-contaminated areas from the IPB, with the aim whether what are the key drivers for the unravelling of different physiological responses: the origin of the plants or the conditions of the growth medium. For this, seeds of C. monspeliensis were sampled in São Domingos mine (CmSD) and in an uncontaminated area from Caldeirão (CmCald) (SE of Portugal). Seeds were germinated in Petri dishes and subsequently the seedlings from both areas were planted in a contaminated soil developed on a gossan (CS) and in an uncontaminated soil (US) under controlled conditions in a greenhouse. Multielemental concentrations were determined in soils (total and available fractions) and plants (shoots). Germination rate, shoot height and dry biomass were measured, as well as pigments, glutathione, ascorbate and H2O2 contents were analysed in plant shoots. Total concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Pb and Sb in CS exceed the intervention and maximum limits for ecosystem protection and human health. Preliminary results showed that there were not significant differences in the germination rate among assays (CmSD–CS, CmSD–US, CmCald–CS, CmCald–US). After two months growing, C. monspeliensis from both origins showed slightly higher height and biomass in US than CS. The leaf size did not show significant differences among the different assays. The CmCald plants were adapted to the mine soil conditions without showing toxicity symptoms and with a development similar to CmSD plants. In general, no significant differences were found for pigments among plant-soil assays, while H2O2 content slightly increased in individuals planted in CS soil independently of seeds origin. In addition, the increase of oxidative stress in C. monspeliensis in CS caused the activation of ascorbate and glutathione production to maintain the cell’s redox state. Therefore, our study shows that C. monspeliensis, regardless of its origin, has the ability to tolerate contaminated environments with high total content of metal(oid)s. This statement is a very important point for mine soil recovery plans.This research was supported by ED481D 2019/007 project (Xunta de Galicia) supporting Arenas-Lago D. through his postdoc contract.

Some autochthones plant species with aromatic and medicinal properties are able to naturally colonize contaminated soils from mining areas from Iberian Pyrite Belt contributing to their rehabilitation. A study was carried out in order to characterize and valorise an autochthones species, which has adequate ecophysiological behaviours for phytostabilization of mining areas, as new sources of bioactive substances. The main aims of this study were to: i) characterise the phytochemical profile of the bioextracts from shoots of L. pedunculata growing in soils from São Domingos mining area and a control area; and ii) evaluate the influence of potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) accumulated in the shoots on the quality of the bioextracts.Composite samples of soils, developed on mine wastes and/or host rocks, as well as C Lavandula pedunculata shoots were collected in São Domingos mine (Iberian pyrite Belt, SE of Portugal) and in a reference area with non-contaminated soils and the same climatic conditions. Classical characterisation of soils and total concentrations of potentially hazardous elements in soils and plant shoots were determined. The bioextracts from Lavandula pedunculata shoots were obtained by an accelerated solvent extractor, and the compounds were analysed by GC-MS. Extracts were extracted with hexane and major components were quantified.The total concentrations of some potentially hazardous elements (e.g. As, Cu, Pb and Zn) were higher in soils from São Domingos than in reference area. However, soils from São Domingos are considered as contaminated with As, Cu, Pb and Sb for agriculture and residential/parkland uses. Concentrations of the PHEs (excepted Cr and Mn) in the shoots collected in São Domingos mine were higher than in the non-contaminated areaIn the L. pedunculata extracts, obtained in the single extraction with hexane, were identified 34 compounds accounting between 79 and 89 % of the total identified compounds. Camphor was the major component in all extracts but Fenchone, eucalyptol, verbenone, bornyl acetate, borneol and linalool oxide cis also showed considerable amounts. All these compounds present economic interest. Some variation was obtained in the qualitative composition of the L. pedunculata extracts but, in general, it was not clear the differentiation between populations and, consequently, soil contamination level and concentrations of the potentially hazardous elements in shoots. Environmental rehabilitation of mining areas from Iberian Pyrite Belt with this species can provide economic valorisation by the exploration of this plant-based product for fragrance and pharmaceutical industries.Acknowledgment: This research was supported by Portuguese funds, through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the scope of the project UID/AGR/04129/202, and Xunta de Galicia (GRC2014/003).

Cadmium is a metal distributed in low concentrations in the environment without biological function, but it can be toxic at high concentration for plants, animals, and/or humans. This element is one of the major soil pollutant, with high mobility and availability under the conditions of many agricultural soils. The use of nanoremediation techniques can be an effective solution for the in situ recovery of contaminated soils with Cd, although the existing information about the consequences of using nanoparticles in soils is still very scarce. In this context. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles can be an effective amendment for remediation of soils. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Will) is a seed-producing crop that has been cultivated in the Andes for several thousand years but with a good adaptation to different climatic conditions. Currently, quinoa is an emerging multipurpose crop in other parts of the world, due to its high nutritional potential for both human food and animal feedstock and a good alternative to cereals, leading to significant demand and, consequently, cultivation. In this study, we investigated the capacity of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for recovering artificially contaminated soils with Cd where grown quinoa. For this, seeds of C. quinoa were sown in two different soil (Arenosol and Anthrosol) artificially contaminated with Cd2+ (0; 5, 25 and 50 mg kg-1) and amended or not with 1% (w/w) of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. The pot assay was carried out under controlled conditions and in a greenhouse for three months. Initial soils were characterized physicochemically and at the end of the assay multielemental concentrations were determined in soil (total and available fraction and plants (shoots). Germination rate, shoot height and dry biomass were measured, as well as pigments, glutathione, ascorbate and H2O2 contents were analysed in plant shoots in order to evaluate plant development and their physiological status. In parallel, a sequential chemical extraction was carried out to determine the Cd distribution in the different geochemical soil phases. Preliminary results indicated that hydroxyapatite nanoparticles have a high capacity to retain Cd. These nanoparticles seem to favour C. quinoa growth even with the highest concentration of Cd added. Therefore, this study will serve as a basis for further scientific research on the potential use of hydroxyapatite in agriculture soils with different characteristics and Cd problems for secure C. quinoa cultivation.AcknowledgementsThis research and postdoc contract from Arenas-Lago D. was supported by the project ED481D 2019/007 (Xunta de Galicia), and Portuguese funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the scope of the project UID/AGR/04129/2020 (LEAF).

Soil and water characteristics and biogeochemical processes can be improved by the application of an integrated technology based on circular economy: designed Technosol. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the superficial application of a designed Technosol, with andic and eutrophic properties, on the rehabilitation of sulfide tailings of a uranium mine (Fé mining area, Spain) was the aim of this study. After 20 months of the Technosol application, the tailing rehabilitation status (Rehabilitated tailing) was compared to a non-rehabilitated tailing (Tailing). To assess the rehabilitation of these systems, several properties were analyzed: chemical characteristics of the materials and their leachates, soil enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase and urease), basal respiration and several plant endpoints from direct and indirect bioassays and pot experiment using Lolium perennse L. and Trifolium pratense L.. Potentially toxic concentrations of Co, Mn and Ni were identified in both available fraction and leachates, pointing out the serious environmental risk posed by the tailing. The improvement of overall physicochemical properties in the rehabilitated tailing materials (e.g., decrease of the hazardous element concentrations in leachates and available fraction, and improvement of the fertility and structure) allowed a quick plant cover with pasture species and provided a suitable habitat for active microbial community (evaluated by increasing dehydrogenase activity and basal respiration). This improvement in the rehabilitated tailing contributed to a significant decrease in the ecotoxicological risk and the spread of hazardous elements. The field application of this specific Technosol was a promising and lasting solution for rehabilitation of this type of tailings.

Transdisciplinary approaches that provide holistic views are essential to properly understand soil processes and the importance of soil to society and will be crucial in the future to integrate distinct disciplines into soil studies. A myriad of challenges faces soil science at the beginning of the 2020s. The main aim of this overview is to assess past achievements and current challenges regarding soil threats such as ero-sion and soil contamination related to different United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) including (1) sustainable food production, (2) ensure healthy lives and reduce environmental risks (SDG3), (3) ensure water availability (SDG6), and (4) enhanced soil carbon sequestration because of climate change (SDG13). Twenty experts from different disciplines related to soil sciences offer perspectives on important research directions. Special attention must be paid to some concerns such as (1) effective soil conservation strategies; (2) new computational technolo-gies, models, and in situ measurements that will bring new insights to in-soil process at spatiotemporal scales, their relationships, dynamics, and thresholds; (3) impacts of human activities, wildfires, and climate change on soil microorganisms and thereby on biogeochemical cycles and water relationships; (4) microplastics as a new potential pollutant; (5) the development of green technologies for soil rehabilitation; and (6) the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by simultaneous soil carbon sequestration and reduction in nitrous oxide emission. Manuscripts on topics such as these are particularly welcomed in Air, Soil and Water Research. Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-04T09:05:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Soil-Science-Challenges.pdf: 2513331 bytes, checksum: 92ec224470afdf4b4367ca9bbfe147fa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2020

Several anthropic activities can increase environmental concentrations of metal(loid)s, which can be uptaken by plants. However, nature has strategies to overcome these harsh conditions and some plants thrive, withstanding stress factors associated with metal(loid)s, slowly colonizing these contaminated areas. In face of environmental changes allied with population growth and food security, it is essential to find biotechnological solutions to rehabilitate and potentiate the use of such degraded areas. Phytotechnologies are successful in situ tools for the rehabilitation of contaminated areas, but to ensure the success, one of the main challenges is the selection of the right plant species; as high concentrations of metal(loid)s affect biological processes, productivity and ultimately can result in food safety issues. In this chapter an overview of the physiological and molecular mechanisms triggered by plants to tolerate stress factors associated with metal(loid)s is provided, together with an outline of potential industrial and food crops that have been studied to rehabilitate and bring economic value to these areas, without threatening food security, human health, and ecosystem balance.

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.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 Lollium perenne and Trifolium pratense (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.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.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.The authors thank ENUSA for technical cooperation and providing the study area and soil samples.

The São Domingos mine is within the Iberian Pyrite Belt, one of the oldest mining districts in Europe, with one of the largest concentrations of polymetallic massive sulfide deposits. Mine waste heaps are considered extreme environments, since they possess high concentrations of potentially hazardous elements (PHE). When the presence of PHE is combined with adverse physical characteristics and low contents of organic matter and nutrients, the development of most plants is inhibited and the biodiversity of the area is drastically reduced. The transfer of chemical elements among the different solid phases contributes to control their behaviour, mobility and availability. Autochthonous plant species, such as Cistus salvifoliius L., which are well adapted to extreme environments and are able to grow naturally in degraded environments may contribute to minimize the negative chemical impacts and improve the landscape quality. However, the environmental rehabilitation processes associated to the development of these plants (phytostabilization) are very slow and the combined use of materials/wastes that improve some physico-chemical characteristics of the matrix is necessary. This work studied the effectiveness of the phytostabilization with C. salvifoliius of gossan mine wastes from the mine of São Domingos amended with organic/inorganic wastes. The amendments used were (g/kg of gossan): biomass ash (BA, 2.5), a mixture of organic residues (OR, 120) and a mixture of both (BA+OR).The mine wastes have very acid pH, between 3.44 and 3.54, high total concentrations of PHE, such as As, Cu and Pb, and low concentrations of organic C and nutrients. The available fraction of Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg and V in the mine wastes was, in general, less than 8% of their total concentration while for As, Cu, Mo, Pb and Zn it was less than 4.3% of the total. Nonetheless Mn availability lay between 21.2 and 24.8%.The best vegetative development, that occurred without visible signs of toxicity, was obtained in the two treatments with organic wastes (OR and BA+OR). Independently of the treatment, this species does not behave as accumulator of PHE. High levels of Catalase activity were quantified in the soluble fraction of the roots from OR treatment and in the ionically bound fraction of roots from BA+OR treatment. As for Peroxidase, the activity quantified in the soluble fraction was slightly higher in roots than in shoots, while in the ionically bound fraction high values were measured both in shoots and roots.The application of amendments, especially with organic matter (mixture or single application), together with the phytostabilization allowed the improvement of the plant-soil system namely at level of a better plant cover and improvement of several chemical characteristics of mine wastes (e.g. decrease of the majority of PHE in the available fraction, increase of fertility and water-holding capacity), leading to speed up the environmental rehabilitation.

A promising planning for recovery and closure of mining tailings, from both active and abandoned mines, must include environmental and socioeconomic approaches. Buenaventura group and La Zanja mine are evaluating, in different closure systems of tailings composed of mine wastes rich-in sulfides, the integrated rehabilitation of the ecosystem (mine wastes, percolated leachates, runoff water and plants cover) and its recovery to other secure land uses which promote the regional socio-economic valorisation. In adjacent areas to La Zanja mine (Cajamarca, Peru), the milk production is the main economic activity although with low profitability. Therefore, herbaceous and shrubs intake by domestic animals could be one important food chain route for human exposure to toxic elements. Although it is essential the evaluation of the potential animal feed risk, until what is known these studies are not usual in mine closure planning.This work aims to evaluate, at long term, the chemical and microbiological characteristics of the soil, and development and environmental potential risk of the herbaceous strata growing in mine tailings closed with two conventional closure systems and innovative system with a Technosol designed specifically for environmental problems of the mining tailing. The studied conventional systems are characterized by superficial coverage with local soil or local soil under materials with low permeability. Before planting native plant species and different fast-growing herbaceous, amendments were applied to the soil, such as lime and/or chicken manure. In other mine tailing with similar chemical and mineralogical characteristics was applied a superficial layer of a designed Technosol with andic, eutrophic and reductor properties. An adjacent area without influence of mining activity was used as control.Composite samples of soils as well as herbaceous plants and dominant shrub growing on these soils were collected. Soil characteristics (pH, fertility, overall activity and biomass of microbial community) and multielemental concentration in soils (pseudototal and available fractions) and plants were determined. The accumulation behaviour of potentially hazardous elements in shoots was studied as well as their relation with the chemical soil characteristics.The chemical and biological quality of the soils depended on closure system. Soils from conventional system presented significant degradation at chemical and biological level and smaller plant development, compared to system with Technosol. The chemical characteristics of the Tecnosol still remained being, in many cases, better than those in control soil.In conventional systems, the alteration of the chemical characteristics of the soils and/or presence of the layer of low permeability material limited the plant development biomass production contributing to a higher risk of erosion. Herbaceous species growing on the soils from all studied closure systems of mine tailings do not seem to represent an environmental risk for domestic animals that exist in the areas adjacent.This study is included in a strategy environmental management and sustainable development for the recovery of non-productive areas for other land uses.Financial support grated by: InnóvatePerú–FINCyT 2 (PITEI-4-P-015-091-16) to Compañía de Minas Buenaventura and Minera La Zanja; Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia to LEAF (UID/AGR/04129/2013).

Continuous application of Cu-based fungicides and molluscicides may lead to Cu accumulation in vineyard soils. Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be a suitable strategy to increase plant tolerance to the excessive levels of this element in the soil. However, the simultaneous use of EDTA-based fertilizers or phytosanitary products in those vineyards can affect metal mobility in the soil, with potential negative consequences for plants. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the effect of AMF inoculation on grapevine performance in Cu contaminated soils, in the presence or absence of EDTA chelates. Two-year-old plants growing in pots filled with an Arenosol, previously inoculated or not with two different AMF, were subjected to three soil treatments: control, Cu addition; Cu and FeNaEDTA addition. Four months later, at the end of the growing season, plant vegetative growth parameters, root colonization as well as soil, root and leaf nutrient contents were analyzed. In the soil where Cu was applied, Rhizoglomus irregulare- and Funneliformis mosseae-inoculated plants showed significantly higher root biomass than the non-inoculated ones, and R. irregulare-inoculated plants were the ones with the highest root P and Fe concentrations. However, when Cu and FeNaEDTA were applied together to the soil, AMF inoculation was no longer an asset for grapevines, and overall, root biomass decreased, translocation of Cu to leaves was stimulated, and a significant decrease in leaf Mn concentrations was detected, below the levels found in control soils. For this reason, in soils with high Cu-concentrations, although mycorrhizal inoculation can be a suitable strategy to improve plant growth and nutrition, the use of EDTA-based products should be avoided, as it can lead to an amplification of the toxic effects commonly caused by the excess of Cu in plants.

Cistus ladanifer L. is an autochthones species with great potential for phytostabilisation of mining areas from Iberian Pyrite Belt (IBP) as well as medicinal and odoriferous/fragrance interest. In order to valorise C. ladanifer in the rehabilitation process of these areas, the aims of this study were to: i) compare the organic composition of bioextracts obtained from shoots of C. ladanifer growing in contaminated and non-contaminated areas; ii) quantify some valuable organic compounds of these bioextracts; and iii) evaluate the influence of the concentration of the potentially hazardous elements (PHE's) in the shoots on the quality of the bioextracts. Composite samples of soils and C. ladanifer shoots were collected in Sao Domingos mining area (IPB, SE of Portugal) and in a reference area with non-contaminated soils and similar climatic conditions (Corte do Pinto). Total concentrations of PHE's (Al, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined, after acid digestion, in these soils and shoots. Bioextracts were obtained from plant shoots using n-hexane in an accelerated solvent extractor. Organic compounds were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and some valuable organic compounds (α-pinene, camphene, camphor, fenchone and verbenone) were quantified. Multielemental concentration of the plant residues after obtaining the bioextracts was carried out. Sao Domingos soils can be considered contaminated with As, Cr, Cu and Pb. The highest concentrations of As, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn were determined in Sao Domingos shoots, while the contrary was observed for Ni. The main organic compounds in the bioextracts were benzenepropanoic acid and viridiflorol. Independently of the population, similar profile was observed having slight variability in the amounts (%) of some organic compounds (e.g. benzenepropanoic acid, verbenone, bornyl acetate, borneol). The highest concentration of α-pinene was obtained in Sao Domingos bioextracts while the other determined valuable compounds presented similar concentrations. Concentrations of PHE's in the shoots were not correlated with organic composition of the bioextracts. No elements transfer occurred during the compounds extraction. The bioextracts obtained from C. ladanifer growing in Sao Domingos mining area had valuable compounds and did not pose any human health risk. Phytostabilisation of contaminated soils with this species can provide economic return by the exploration of several valuable compounds.

14 páginas.- 2 figuras. 6 tablas.- referencias, In Portugal, many abandoned mines are often close to agricultural areas and might be used for plant food cultivation. Soils in the vicinity of two Mn- and Fe-abandoned mines (Ferragudo and Rosalgar, SW of Portugal) were collected to cultivate two different food species (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt and Origanum vulgare L.). Chemical characterization of the soil–plant system and potential risk of adverse effects for human health posed by plants associated with soil contamination, based on the estimation of hazard quotient (HQ), were assessed in a microcosm assay under greenhouse conditions. In both soils, the average total concentrations of Fe and Mn were above the normal values for soils in the region and their concentration in shoots of both species was very high. Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis grew better in Ferragudo than in Rosalgar soils, and it behaved as an excluder of Cu, Mn, Fe, S and Zn in both soils. The HQ for Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in the studied species grown on both soils was lower than unit indicating that its consumption is safe. The high Mn tolerance found in both species might be due in part to the high contents of Fe in the soil available fraction that might contribute to an antagonism effect in the uptake and translocation of Mn. The obtained results emphasize the need of further studies with different food crops before cultivation in the studied soils to assess health risks associated with high metal intake.

Batillipes pennaki has been considered a common and a cosmopolitan marine tardigrade species. However, the original diagnosis of this species is very incomplete, and consequently there is a high probability of incorrect records. Therefore, a comparative analysis of quantitative and qualitative morphological characters among eight different populations from the Atlantic basin was done in this study to investigate if B. pennaki is a complex of similar species, each with a restricted distribution range. The result of discriminant analyses showed clear morphometric differences between populations that were arranged into three main groups, distinguishing Western Atlantic populations, Eastern Atlantic populations and a Mediterranean population. Furthermore, the result of analyses of morphological structures revealed peculiarities of some traits with taxonomic relevance, such as leg IV sensory organs and primary clavae, consistent with the clusters revealed by quantitative data, allowing us to distinguish three different pseudocryptic species and supporting the hypothesis that B. pennaki is a species complex. Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia - FCT; FEDER; CAPES info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersion

Information about marine tardigrades in the Iberian Peninsula is very scarce. To improve our knowledge of this group, a sampling programme was started in 2010. The main coastal marine habitats of northern Portugal were explored. Eighteen species were found. Four species are new to science (the previously described Prostygarctus aculeatus Rubal, Veiga, Fontoura & Sousa-Pinto, 2013 and three species of the genus Batillipes), and another four species of the genera Batillipes, Echiniscoides, Halechiniscus and Wingstrandarctus are potentially new species. Moreover, six species (Stygarctus bradypus Schulz, 1951; Halechiniscus greveni Renaud-Mornant & Deroux, 1976; Styraconyx haploceros Thulin, 1942; Styraconyx sardiniae D'Addabbo Gallo, Morone De Lucia & de Zio Grimaldi, 1989; Anisonyches diakidius Pollock, 1975; and Batillipes tubernatis Pollock, 1971) were recorded in the Iberian Peninsula for the first time. Two species (A. diakidius and S. sardiniae) were recorded for the Atlantic Ocean for the first time and the distribution range of S. haploceros and B. tubernatis was extended to the south. The results showed the importance of collecting information from poorly studied regions to achieve a better understanding of the biogeography of marine tardigrades. Finally, intertidal rocky shores were shown to be more diverse than other habitats, probably due to the great habitat heterogeneity.

In Reserva Natural de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo Antonio (SE of Portugal), most of the salt marshes and saltpans are abandoned contributing to their degradation and, consequently, alteration of some ecological conditions. Rehabilitation of these areas by a Salicornia crop can contribute to their economic and environmental improvement by stimulation of biogeochemical processes and biomass commercialization. However, the development of agro-techniques adjusted to species and variable environmental conditions from Mediterranean are needed in order to improve the Salicornia crop. This study aimed to evaluate: i) potential use of seedlings from greenhouse in the field cultivation; and ii) survival, growth and yield of Salicornia under shading and different salinity conditions of the soils and irrigation waters. Autochthonous Salicornia species (S. ramosissima and S. patula) were tested. Germination tests under controlled conditions and in situ mesocosm assays were carried out. Assays were realized with a low density of seedlings from natural conditions and greenhouse, and soils and waters from estuary both with different salinities. Intermediate and high salinities (25-45dS/m) affected only S. patula germination. In general, Salicornia growing in soils with low salinity had great fresh biomass accumulation independently of seedling source (from natural conditions and greenhouse) and/or growing season. The shading seems to improve the fresh biomass accumulation and yield. Under Mediterranean conditions, the transplantation of Salicornia from greenhouse to the field was a promising technique, independently of the salinity conditions. This study demonstrated that the abandoned and saline areas can be rehabilitated by a sustainable crop of Salicornia. project "Cultivo sustentavel de halofitas na Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo Antonio" from Programa POAlgarve 21 [ALG-02-0931-FEDER-000022] info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The aim of this study was to evaluate (i) the ability of two Technosols, prepared with gossan or sulfide-rich wastes plus mixtures of organic/inorganic amendments, to improve the characteristics of the wastes by the analysis of the variation of elemental concentrations in their simulated leachates, and (ii) the potential environmental risk of these Technosols evaluated through the concentrations of the elements leached from the tailings containing the two wastes, considering their mass in the Sao Domingos mine. Composite samples of two Sao Domingos mining wastes (gossan wastes—GW; sulfide-rich wastes—SW) were collected. Amendment mixtures, containing different organic/inorganic wastes (from green agriculture, distillation of Ceratonia siliqua and Arbutus unedo fruits, and limestone quarry), were applied at 12, 30, and 60 g/kg. Two sets of microcosm assays were performed under controlled conditions in greenhouse and monitored during 7 and 13 months for GW and SW, respectively. Materials from each pot/treatment (

Cistus monspeliensis L. is a species that grows spontaneously in contaminated mining areas from the Iberian Pyrite Belt. This species can have high concentrations of Zn in the shoots without visible signs of phytotoxicity. In order to understand the physiological mechanisms underlying this tolerance, C. monspeliensis was grown at several concentrations of Zn 2+ (0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 µM) and the effects of this metal on plant development and on the defence mechanisms against oxidative stress were evaluated. Independently of the treatment, Zn was mainly retained in the roots. The plants with the highest concentrations of Zn showed toxicity symptoms such as chlorosis, low leaf size and decrease in biomass production. At 2000 µM of Zn, the dry biomass of the shoots decreased significantly. High concentrations of Zn in shoots did not induce deficiencies of other nutrients, except Cu. Plants with high concentrations of Zn had low amounts of chlorophyll, anthocyanins and glutathione and high contents of H 2 O 2 . The highest concentrations of Zn in shoots of C. monspeliensis triggered defence mechanisms against oxidative stress, namely by triggering antioxidative enzyme activity and by direct reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging through carotenoids, that are unaffected by stress due to stabilisation by ascorbic acid.

This study aimed to: i) evaluate the accumulation and translocation patterns of potentially hazardous elements into the Lavandula pedunculata and their influence in the concentrations of nutrients; and ii) compare some physiological responses associated with oxidative stress (concentration of chlorophylls (Chla, Chlb and total), carotenoids, and total protein) and several components involved in tolerance mechanisms (concentrations of proline and acid-soluble thiols and total/specific activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)), in plants growing in soils with a multielemental contamination and non-contaminated. Composite samples of soils, developed on mine wastes and/or host rocks, and L. pedunculata (roots and shoots) were collected in Sao Domingos mine (SE of Portugal) and in a reference area with non-contaminated soils, Corte do Pinto, with the same climatic conditions. Sao Domingos soils had high total concentrations of several hazardous elements (e.g. As and Pb) but their available fractions were small (mainly

Three new marine tardigrade species from the deep-sea genus Coronarctus are described from the South-Western Atlantic Ocean: Coronarctus dissimilis sp. nov., C. neptunus sp. nov., and C. yurupari sp. nov. These, and C. laubieri Renaud-Mornant, 1987, are the first records of deep-sea tardigrades from this marine region. Specimens of those species were collected from two localities of the Brazilian continental slope (Potiguar and Campos basins) at depths comprised between 150 and 3000 m. Specimens of the three new species have short cephalic appendages and heteromorphic claws, belonging to the, here designated, C. tenellus group of species. Each of the new species can be distinguished from all the other species of the group by their peculiar-shaped secondary clavae and claws. The most relevant morphological characters used for the taxonomy of the genus: shape of cephalic cirri, shape of secondary-clavae, size and number of accessory spines on claws, and shape of seminal receptacles, are discussed and an identification key to all ten known Coronarctus species is provided.

In order to restore the plant cover, improve ecosystem services and decrease the environmental risk of two mine wastes (gossan and sulfide-rich wastes), an integrated biotechnology was tested at long-term and greenhouse conditions. This integrated biotechnology involves the natural isolation of sulfide-rich wastes through an alkaline barrier, covered by designed Technosols (both of them derived from mining and agro-industrial wastes) and a plant cover with Lavandula pedunculata and Cistus ladanifer. Technosols allowed significant germination (L. pendunculata: 16-18%; C. ladanifer: 5-11%) and biomass production of both species (g FW/pot; Roots: 16.3-30.9, Shoots: 41.2-76.4 depending on species and Technosol). In the control was reached the lowest germination (3%) and seedlings died after 40 days, so the improvement of the chemical characteristics of the surface layer, i.e. the implementation of the designed Technosols, is essential to ensure good vegetative development. No visual symptoms of nutritional deficiency and phytotoxicity neither element concentrations above hazardous levels for domestic animals intake were observed in those plants species. The alkaline barrier's components stabilise the sulfide-rich wastes by decreasing the oxidation and capillary rise of acid solutions that are rich in metals/metalloids. The limestone gravel showed, in some places, a thin layer of salts from alunite-jarosite group and metal-oxyhydroxides. As an outcome, the biotechnology was efficient and sustainable allowing the combined rehabilitation of both mine wastes at long-term.

Five species of Batillipes Richters, 1909 were collected from subtidal sediments of the Portuguese coast. Two of them, B. algharbensis sp. nov. and B. lusitanus sp. nov., are new to science. Batillipes algharbensis sp. nov. differs from all the other Batillipes species in having the middle toes 3 on the fourth feet longer than middle toes 4 and by the presence of rounded lateral body projections between legs III and IV. Batillipes lusitanus sp. nov. has the middle toes of the fourth feet equal in length, but it exhibits a dorsal cuticular ornamentation, constituted by large pillars, similar to the cuticle of B. adriaticus Grimaldi de Zio, Morone De Lucia, D’Addabbo Gallo & Grimaldi, 1979 and B. roscoffensis Kristensen, 1978. However, contrary to B. adriaticus, the caudal apparatus of B. lusitanus sp. nov. is a roundish cuticular expansion and B. roscoffensis lacks caudal apparatus. Batillipes adriaticus and B. phreaticus Renaud-Debyser, 1959 are new records for Portugal. Based on the examination of specimens of B. phreaticus collected at the Portuguese coast and their comparison with type material of this species and also of B. littoralis Renaud-Debyser, 1959, the toe arrangement patterns in species of Batillipes are clarified and a new identification key to species of this genus is provided. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Salt marsh plants are colonising wastes from a steel plant deposited on the Coina River Banks posing a potential contamination risk to the Tagus estuary ecosystem. The objectives of this study were to assess the uptake, accumulation and translocation of hazardous elements/nutrients in three spontaneous halophytic species, to evaluate the capacity of Tamarix africana to stabilise a contaminated salt marsh soil, and to evaluate the ecotoxicity of the pore water and elutriates from phytostabilised soils. The work comprises the following: fieldwork collection of soil samples from Coina River (an affluent of Tagus River) bank landfill, estuarine water and spontaneous plants (Aster tripolium, Halimione portulacoides and Sarcocornia sp.), and greenhouse studies (microcosm assay) with T. africana growing in one landfill salt marsh soil, for 97 days, and watered with estuarine water. Soils were analysed for pH, EC, Corganic, NPK, iron and manganese oxides. Soils total (acid digestion) elemental concentrations were determined by ICP/INAA. Estuarine waters, plants roots and shoots (acid digestion), soils available fraction (diluted organic acids extraction-RHIZO or pore water), and salts collected from the T. africana leaves surface were analysed for metals/metalloids (ICP-MS). Ecotoxicity assays were performed in T. africana soil elutriates and pore waters using Artemia franciscana and Brachionus plicatillis. Soils were contaminated, containing high total concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead and zinc. However, their concentrations in the available fraction were

Sao Domingos mine area (Portuguese Iberian Pyrite Belt) contains several mine wastes with different environmental hazard which are disposed irregularly over a large area. This study aimed to evaluate the following: (1) soil enzymatic activities, chemical quality of leachates and Cistus ladanifer germination in Technosols composed of gossan or sulfide wastes from the mine and amendment mixtures (organic and inorganic); (2) the efficiency of a layer of gossan over sulfide wastes to improve rehabilitation of the more hazardous waste. Technosols were composed of gossan or sulfide wastes and amendment mixtures, at 12 and 30 g/kg, containing organic/inorganic wastes from agriculture and distilleries in equal proportion. Three microcosm assays, under controlled conditions, were carried out: Gossan/sulfide wastes and respective Technosols (assays 1-2); (assay 3) Sulfide wastes, with/without amendments, incubated during 4 months and then with an application of a thin overlayer of gossan with/without the same amendments. Cistus ladanifer was sown in half of the pots from each treatment while the remainder was left bare. After 3 and 9 months of incubation, composite samples of the materials were collected and dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and β-glucosidase activities were determined. In same sampling periods, percolation leachates were analysed for anions and cations concentrations, pH and electrical conductivity. Technosols with gossan wastes were significantly different (p 50 % of EC and 23–99 % depending on element, Technosol and sampling period), the amendments did not prevent sulfide oxidation and acid generation, improve enzymatic activities or allow seed germination. Higher elements concentrations in leachates were obtained with the overlapping of two Technosols or mine wastes, compared to the leachates from assays with a single mine waste. Application of a gossan/Technosol layer over sulfide wastes allowed C. ladanifer germination but plants died after ≈50 days. The use of Technosols derived from gossan or sulfide wastes may be an efficient solution for rehabilitation of these mine wastes. However, the results with sulfide wastes were not encouraging. The use of a Technosol obtained from gossan wastes seems be a promising approach to isolate sulfide wastes from air and initiate their revegetation, but this technology requires further improvements, namely to prevent the ascension of salts by capillarity.

Three new tardigrade species, Batillipes brasiliensis sp. nov., Batillipes dandarae sp. nov. and Batillipes potiguarensis sp. nov., are described from shallow subtidal sediments of the Brazilian coast. B. brasiliensis sp. nov. and B. dandarae sp. nov. have toes 3 and 4 on leg IV different in length, so they can be included in the D group of species, while B. potiguarensis sp. nov., with toes 3 and 4 on leg IV equal in length belong to the A group. Batillipes brasiliensis sp. nov. is characterized by having an ala-like caudal expansion; cuticular projections on the coxal region of legs I-III, and lateral projections. The lateral projection located between the third and fourth legs is fringed with digit-shaped expansions. Batillipes dandarae sp. nov. has a dorsal blunt enlargement in the scapular region; a pointed triangular caudal appendage, and no lateral projections. The new species exhibits a sensorial spine on legs I inserted posteriorly and turning forward, and anus surrounded by a peculiar cuticular structure constituted by six platelets. Batillipes potiguarensis sp. nov. is characterized by a unique combination of characters: scapular region well developed, protruding laterally at the level of the first pair of legs; lateral blunt processes between legs, and prominent roundish caudal protrusion. In addition, the new species exhibits cephalic appendages with swollen tips, evident secondary clavae, and very short sense organs on the legs IV. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT); Parcialmente financiado pela FEDER; Coordination of Improvement of Higher Level Personnel (CAPES) info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Gossan wastes represent one of the most hazardous mine wastes in several mining areas from the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Phytostabilisation of mine wastes with Cistus ladanifer L. could be a good option, but its growth and germination are impaired by substrata conditions. To overcome these limitations, application of organic and inorganic amendments may speed up the growth of C. ladanifer while improving the mine wastes. This study evaluated the simultaneous influence of different application rates of amendments and growth of C. ladanifer on chemical and biological properties of gossan wastes. Amendments used were mixtures (30, 75, 150 Mg/ha, 1:1:1) of rockwool, agriculture wastes and wastes from liquor distillation of Arbutus unedo L. fruits. A microcosm assay with four treatments was carried out (control and three amended treatments) under controlled conditions in a greenhouse during 505 days. Cistus ladanifer was sown in half of the pots from each treatment while the remainder was left bare. Gossan wastes had large total concentrations of several elements (g/kg; Al: 24.8, As: 3.03, Cu: 0.23, Pb; 9.21) whereas the available concentrations of these elements were small ( gossan materials. They also led to increases in dehydrogenase and β-glucosidase activities and in plant growth (plant cover, plant height, length of young leaves, fresh biomass). In addition, plants from amended treatments presented lower concentrations of hazardous elements in shoots than plants from unamended control. The presence of the plant did not increase the available concentrations of hazardous elements in wastes, except for As when 150 Mg/ha of amendments was applied. Phytostabilisation with C. ladanifer using a Technosol, resulting from the application of the studied amendments at 75 and 150 Mg/ha to gossan materials, seems a promising solution for rehabilitation of this type of mine wastes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical characteristics and ecotoxicity of a mine soil developed on gossan materials and amended with hydrophilic polyacrylate polymers after a growth cycle of Spergularia purpurea. Different acute bioassays (Daphnia magna immobilization; microalgae growth inhibition; germination and growth of lettuce and oat) were carried out with simulated leachates, pore water and soil samples. The germination and growth of native shrubs (Cistus ladanifer and Lavandula sampaioana) were also evaluated in the lysimeters where S. purpurea had grown. The soil had high total concentrations (g/kg) of Al (3.50-8.60), As (2.55-2.73), Cu (0.13-0.91) and Pb (4.48-6.16). However, the percentages of elements in aqueous extracts (simulating leachates, pore water, and the conditions of the rhizosphere soil) were small when compared to their total soil concentrations (less than 9% except for Na in leachates). Growth of S. purpurea and other natural colonization of plant species (Poaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae families) improved chemical characteristics but the application of the polyacrylate polymers contributed to a further improvement of soil quality. However, this was not sufficient to ensure the growth of a large number of shrubs despite a great germination rate. Among the several species used on the ecotoxicological assessment, the D. magna test was the only bioassay that showed a clear toxicity of soil leachates, suggesting the importance of using several ecotoxicological tests to assess the environmental risk of soil contamination and its rehabilitation. Although the studied soil can be considered contaminated taking into account the total soil concentrations of Al, As, Cu and Pb, the low concentrations of the same chemical elements in extractable solutions, that simulated the fractions really available for organisms, did not demonstrate a substantial toxic effects in the organisms and, consequently, negative impact on the environment.

A new marine arthrotardigrade, Ligiarctus alatus sp. nov. found in sediments of the Brazilian continental shelf (100–150 m depth) in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, is described in this study. This new species was recorded from sites located in the major oil extraction basins in Brazil (Campos and Potiguar basins). Within the subfamily Floractinae, the genus Ligiarctus characteristically presents primary clavae bent backwards, occupying the reduced lateral edges of the head. The new species is clearly distinguishable from L. eastwardi, the only known species of the genus, by the presence of internal distal notches on all claws, and six aliform cuticular expansions (frontal ala, two anterolateral alae, two posterolateral alae and caudal ala) with continuous digitiform procuticular supports (caesti). Ligiarctus eastwardi has only a caudal ala without caesti and internal notches are present on external claws only. The same pattern of cuticular expansions and caesti exhibited by the new species also occurs in the genus Florarctus, increasing the difficulty of defining the taxonomy of the subfamily Florarctinae, and forcing the emendment of the generic diagnosis of Ligiarctus. Petrobras S/A; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT); FACEPE (Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco); Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion