Evaluating Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum), and Weeping Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula), as a Vegetative Cap for Industrial Brine Landform Stabilization and Phytoremediation

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum), and weeping lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) were evaluated for use as a vegetative cover over a brine solid waste surface impoundment. Grass seed and sod were established at soil cap depths of 0, 5.1, 10.2, and 15.3 cm over a brine field. Results indicated that each grass species had benefits for either soil stabilization, phytoremediation, and/or establishing a suitable vegetative cap. Results indicated that seashore paspalum leaf tissue assimilated significantly greater quantities of essential elements potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), and molybdenum (Mo) compared to bermudagrass, and weeping lovegrass. Seashore paspalum also contained the highest concentration of chloride in the plant tissue, indicating that seashore paspalum could be a potential brine remediator. Seashore paspalum and bermudagrass were suitable vegetative grass species selections for the Gulf Coast states. Bermudagrass and seashore paspalum successfully g...