Phytoextraction of arsenic forms in selected tree species growing in As-polluted mining sludge

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the phytoextraction of inorganic (As(III), As(V)) and organic arsenic (Asorg) forms in six tree species: Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Tilia cordata and Ulmus laevis. Plants were grown in a pot experiment using As-polluted mining sludge for 90 days. Arsenic (Astotal) was accumulated mainly in the roots of all six tree species, which were generally thinner, shorter and/or black after the experiment. The highest concentration of As(III) and As(V) was determined in the roots of A. pseudoplatanus and A. platanoides (174 and 420 mg kg−1, respectively). High concentrations of As(III) were also recorded in the shoots of B. pendula (11.9 mg kg−1) and As(V) in the aerial parts of U. laevis and A. pseudoplatanus (77.4 and 70.1 mg kg−1). With some exceptions, the dominant form in the tree organs was Asorg, present in mining sludge in low concentration. This form has a decisive influence on As phytoextraction by young tree seedling...