Aided phytostabilization using Miscanthus sinensis×giganteus on heavy metal-contaminated soils

Abstract A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the use of red mud, a by-product of the alumina industry, as a soil amendment on highly contaminated soils in the vicinity of a former Pb–Zn smelter in Copșa Mica (Romania). Changes in the distribution of Zn, Cd and Pb in various soil fractions, mobility of heavy metals in the soil, and their uptake and effects on growth and productivity of Miscanthus sinensis × giganteus were evaluated. Uptake of Zn, Cd and Pb was determined in different tissues of M. sinensis × giganteus cultivated in field plots situated at increasing distance from the pollution source and with different levels of contamination and metal availabilities. Soluble meta…