The effects of organic waste soil amendments on above ground biomass of Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) grown at a historic Pb-F-Zn mine site

Historic metal mine tailings and spoil are typically too physically, chemically and biologically deficient for spontaneous revegetation. Studies focusing on the Upper River Derwent have highlighted the contribution of historic mining and mineral processing areas as sources of particulate and dissolved potentially toxic elements (PTE) entering river sediments. This study will conduct a two year field trial that aims to evaluate the potential of two organic waste soil amendments and a perennial native grass species, to immobilize PTE and stabilise impacted soils. In-situ biological and chemical stabilisation is increasingly considered the best option when managing the risks associated with historic mining [1].