Plants Growing in Closed Mines of Northwestern Ontario are Useful for Phytostabilization Potential of Arsenic, Antimony and Molybdenum in Mine Reclamation

This paper explores the phytostabilization potential of plants naturally
regenerating on closed mines in Northwestern Ontario. Data will be presented
on their associated soils including pH and the various metal concentrations. The
sites chosen for this study are mines that operated in the 20th century in
Northwestern Ontario, located on the Canadian Shield and are in the Lake
Superior and Seine River Watersheds. Minerals mined varied but two mines had
elevated levels of As, Mo and Sb. Remediation of these sites would help to
meet government environmental requirements as well as reduce the impact on
the local populations of humans and wildlife. Surface soil contaminants from
these sites have the potential to runoff into surface waters, leach into ground
waters, and negatively impact the local food chains. A combination of native
boreal species can be planted on closed mines in order to restrain the
movement of these potentially harmful metals. Chlorophyll content of the leaves
are measured as a sign of plant health and can aid in identification of healthy
metallophytes.
The objectives of the study were i) to identify plants growing on these
closed mines, and ii) to examine the variation in the soil conditions natural
regenerating species experience on these closed mines.. Plant communities will
be found that are tolerant to metal stress.