Heavy metal accumulation by panicled goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) and common elaeocarpus (Elaeocarpus decipens) in abandoned mine soils in southern China
Heavy metal accumulation by panicled goldenrain tree （Koelreuteria paniculata） and common elaeocarpus （Elaeocarpus decipens） in abandoned mine soils in southern China

Phytoremediation can be used as a sustainable technology for mine spoil remediation to remove heavy metals. This study investigated the concentrations of 7 heavy metal contaminations in soil and plant samples at an abandoned mine site. We found that, after vegetation remediation at the abandoned mine site, reduction rate for 7 heavy metals was in the range of 4.2%-86% and an over 50% reduction rate in four heavy metals (Zn, Mn, Cd, Ni) was achieved. Transfer coefficients of the panicled goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm) and the common elaeocarpus (Elaeocarpus decipens) for Zn, Mn, Ni, and Co were more than 1. Enrichment coefficients of both trees for Mn were higher than 1. Our results suggest that the panicled goldenrain tree and the common elaeocarpus tree may act as accumulators in remediation. Moreover, the wood vegetation remediation in abandoned mining areas play an important role in improving environmental conditions and removing heavy metal from contaminated soil.