Studies on Gypsophila fastigiata parameters verifying its suitability to reclamation of post-flotation Zn-Pb wastes

Abstract

An excessive amount of heavy metals negatively affects the environment, causing degradation of large areas throughout the world. Therefore, the effective and inexpensive techniques focused on either removal of those substances or their long-term stabilization in situ need to be improved. We currently propose to use a calamine ecotype of <i>Gypsophila fastigiata</i> (Caryophyllaceae) for biological reclamation of wastes accumulated after Zn-Pb ores enrichment. Plants were cultivated in (1) untreated waste material (control), (2) wastes enriched with mineral fertilizers, and (3) wastes enriched with sewage sludge. Photosynthetic pigments content and electrolyte leakage outside plasma membrane were tested periodically in representative samples. In untreated waste material growth gradually deteriorated during the season. The content of chlorophyll a in leaves taken from control plants decreased more than threefold from 0.51 mg/g f.m. at the beginning to 0.14 mg/g f.m. at the end of the growing season, whereas in treatment with sewage sludge the reduced seasonal variations in photosynthetic pigments content was ascertained (0.78 mg/g f.m. for chl <i>a</i> and 0.20 mg/g f.m. for chl <i>b</i>, both in the spring and autumn) what positively influenced the plant growth. The results indicate that tested <i>G</i>. fastigiata genotype might be used in an assisted revegetation project.