Reclamation of Pb/Zn mine tailings at Shaoguan Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China: The role of river sediment and domestic refuse

The Fankou Pb/Zn tailings pond was abandoned in 1978, resulting in a 20 ha tailings pile requiring stabilization. The major constraints in rehabilitation are heavy metal (Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd) toxicity and poor nutrient conditions. A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorating role of river sediment, domestic refuse and inorganic fertilizers in the revegetation of the tailings. River sediment and refuse were mixed with tailings at rates of 30%, 60% and 90% (w/w) respectively, and NPK fertilizer was also applied at four levels. Their effects on the growth of Stylosanthes guianensis cv Graham were evaluated. River sediment and refuse amendments significantly increased dry matter yields but inorganic fertilizer had no effect. Tailings amended with 90% refuse, 30% and 60% river sediment produced higher yields. In general, plants grown on tailings amended with 30% river sediment accumulated the greatest amounts of Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd.