Effects of aluminate ion toxicity on plant growth and mineral nutrition in bauxite residue reclamation
Extraction of aluminum from bauxite ore with caustic sodium hydroxide produces an alkaline waste termed bauxite residue. Methods of vegetating bauxite residue impoundments were investigated utilizing alkaline tolerant species with readily available organic amendments. Species screening experiments identified Distichlis spicata var. stricta, an alkaline tolerant grass, as a potential species for bauxite residue reclamation. Additions of sewage sludge to bauxite residue increased growth over 10-fold. Low yields were associated with high shoot tissue concentrations of Fe and Al, and low concentrations of Mg, K, P, Ca and N. In field experiments at a bauxite residue impoundment in Mobile, Alabama, organic amendments (paper pulp waste, coastal bermuda grass mulch and sewage sludge) were tested as ameliorants to increase growth of Distichlis. In coarse textured bauxite residue amended with sewage sludge, a dense cover of Distichlis formed within 1.5 years. After 2.5 years, substantial declines in Distichlis cover occured. Additions of large quantities (6 cm) of sewage sludge to the surface of fine textured bauxite residue fostered growth of numerous local species. Most successful were Panicum dichotomiflorum and Cynodon dactylon. This research indicates the use of alkaline tolerant species with organic ameliorants has potential for bauxite residue reclamation. Problems with aluminum toxicity and Mn/sup 2 +/ deficiency must be overcome through additional research. The use of local, perhaps Al tolerant, species is also indicated if methods of effectively isolating roots from bauxite residue alkalinity are successful.
- OSTI ID:
- 6134191
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALUMINATES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
SOIL CHEMISTRY
LAND RECLAMATION
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
REVEGETATION
BAUXITE
GRASS
RESIDUES
SENSITIVITY
TOXICITY
VARIATIONS
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM ORES
CHEMISTRY
ORES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
510500* - Environment
Terrestrial- Site Resource & Use Studies- (-1989)
560303 - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Plants- (-1987)