Abstract
Post-mining landscapes worldwide often remain impacted by high heavy metal or radionuclide mobility and acid mine drainage. The “Gessenwiese” test site in the former uranium mining area of Ronneburg, Germany, was established to develop land reclamation strategies for such post-mining soils. The approach combined calcareous substrate amendments and microbial inoculation with mycorrhiza and Streptomyces, alongside lignocellulose production through short rotation forestry using birch (Betula pendula Roth), alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench), and willow (Salix triandra × viminalis “Inger”), without competing with land-use for food production. Physico-chemical and hydrological parameters, as well as trace element concentrations in the mobile < 0.45 µm fraction of porewater and shallow groundwater were measured. Trees were harvested after two consecutive growth phases of 2–4 years. Trace element content in the aboveground biomass was assessed for suitability as solid biofuel. Soil amendments, particularly calcareous substrates, effectively reduced mobile metal concentrations in porewater, though some residual contamination persisted in groundwater. Metal content in birch and alder biomass generally met solid biofuel thresholds and was further reduced by soil treatments; however, Cd and Zn in willow exceeded permissible levels. Alders produced the highest biomass across soil treatments, while birch growth picked up only after the first harvest and willow generally performed worst on the acid mine drainage impacted soil. This study proves the feasibility of combining phytostabilization with lignocellulose production on moderately contaminated post-mining sites. Observation periods exceeding six years are essential for predicting the long-term success of such strategies.
Involved units
Identifier
doi: 10.1016/j.teengi.2025.100029