Evaluación de la remoción de arsénico por fitorremediación de suelos y sedimentos contaminados.

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of phytoremediation in the removal of arsenic in soils and sediments contaminated by mining activity. Initially, the arsenic remediation capacity of two plant species, bluegrass, and plantain, was determined through hydroponic cultivation. These plants successfully eliminated 72,0% and 75,0% of the arsenic present in a synthetic solution with an initial concentration of 4,5 mg·L-1. Subsequently, the arsenic depuration capacity evaluated in soil near the Shumiral Mine, where a synthetic arsenic solution with initial concentrations of 13,0 and 15,0 mg·kg-1 applied. Bluegrass proved to be effective in reducing these concentrations below the maximum allowed limit (TULSMA) of 12,0 mg·kg- 1 within 5 and 7 weeks. Finally, the arsenic depuration capacity assessed in sediments contaminated by mining activity downstream from the Calera River. The bluegrass plant achieved successful removal of 58,6% of the arsenic present in the sediment over a period of 1 month. In summary, this study demonstrates that phytoremediation is an efficient strategy for the removal of arsenic in soils and sediments contaminated by mining activity. Bluegrass exhibited a high capacity to eliminate arsenic in synthetic solutions and under real contamination conditions. These results are promising and highlight the potential of phytoremediation as a sustainable and viable option to mitigate the effects of arsenic contamination in the environment.