Performance of Eucalyptus species on capped arsenic-rich gold mine tailings in the Victorian Goldfields, Australia

J. T. Sanchez-Palacios, A. I. Doronila, A. J M Baker, I. E. Woodrow

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contribution

Abstract

An experimental tailings research facility was constructed to allow long-term trials to be conducted and investigate the performance and variation in growth and arsenic foliar content in Eucalyptus spp. A cover of slurried oxide waste-residue was poured on to consolidated arsenic-rich sulfidic gold tailings (≈2000 mg As kg-1) and capped with local topsoil. This study focuses on the growth responses of candidate Eucalyptus species in relation to arsenic-rich substrate. Three provenances of Eucalyptus cladocalyx grew the fastest and, on average, produced the largest stem volumes. The local provenance E. goniocalyx was the poorest. Among the others, Corymbia maculata ranked second, E. camaldulensis ranked third, and E. tricarpa ranked after these. Owing to its ability to grow under arsenic-rich conditions, more detailed testing of E. cladocalyx involving long-term monitoring of growth and foliar arsenic content is required to improve the selection of suitable species for use in arsenical mineral waste rehabilitation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOne Century of the Discovery of Arsenicosis in Latin America (1914-2014)
Subtitle of host publicationAs 2014 - Proceedings of the 5th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment
EditorsMarta I. Litter, Hugo B. Nicolli, Martin Meichtry, Natalia Quici, Jochen Bundschuh, Prosun Bhattacharya, Ravi Naidu
Place of PublicationLondon, UK
PublisherCRC Press
Pages380-382
Number of pages3
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9781315778884
ISBN (Print)9781138001411
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Apr 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event5th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment 2014 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Duration: 11 May 201416 May 2014

Publication series

NameArsenic in the Environment - Proceedings
PublisherCRC Press
ISSN (Print)2154-6568

Conference

Conference5th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment 2014
Country/TerritoryArgentina
CityBuenos Aires
Period11/05/1416/05/14

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