Abstract:

In this study, growth and physiological adaptability of 18 plant species used in Cangnan alum mining tailings phytoremediation had been analyzed through ANOVA and subordinate function analysis. The results showed that there were highly significant differences in increase of the tiller height among three grasses, and in growth of the canopy diameter among woody plants. There were also highly significant differences in physiological indexes (including content of chlorophyll, activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase) among all different species. Different growth and physiological performance of different species reflected their adaptability variations on the alum mining tailings. The results also indicated that screening of plants would be an essential step for phytoremediation. Lespedeza formosa, Leucaena leucocephalacv. salvador, Broussonetia papyriferaand Vetiveria zizanioideshad been found as fitness pioneer species for alum mining tailings ecological restoration according to integration evaluation of the growth and the physiological properties. It would be beneficial to accumulate nitrogen and organic matter in tailing soil via planting Lespedeza formosa and Leucaena leucocephala which have capacity of biological nitrogen fixation.

Key words: alum mining tailings, ecological restoration, phytoremediation, screening of plants, growth and physiological adaptability