Ecophysiology and anatomy of tree species with potential for the reforestation of areas impacted by mining tailings

Abstract

It is increasingly necessary to develop measures aimed at mitigating the environmental and social impacts generated by failures in mining dams. Studies indicate that the lack of mineral nutrients in mining tailings directly affects the growth of tree species seedlings. However, the identification of native tree species tolerant to mineral nutrient scarcity is vital for the revegetation of areas degraded by these residues, as well as for the success of this process. The tree species Schinus molle and Schinus terebinthifolius are known to be tolerant to adverse environmental factors and heavy metals, while Handroanthus serratifolius and Handroanthus impetiginosus are widely used in recovery programs, including areas affected by iron ore tailings. In this context, the objective of the study was to evaluate the tolerance of these tree species to this residue or to the scarcity of minerals, regarding the germination of nutrients, establishment, initial growth and leaf anatomy of seedlings cultivated and developed in the tailings resulting from the collapse of the Fundão dam in Mariana, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2015. In addition to growth responses, gas exchange and leaf anatomy of Handroanthus spp. after addition of nutrient solution to mining tailings. In view of this research, it was possible to contribute to the post-disaster scenario due to the collapse of iron ore dams, with information on the establishment of the studied species in this condition.