Bio-Asia 2015 Conference 20-22 May 2015

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P19. Copper and Arsenic Plant Accumulators to Clean up Mining Areas

Perez, T.¹, Claveria, R. ¹, Perez, E.,² Apuan, D.³ , Apuan, M ³and Sikat, G.⁴

¹Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines

²Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines

³College of Agriculture, Xavier University, Philippines

⁴Industrial Technology Development Institute-Department of Science and Technology, Philippines

*E-mail: [e-mail] / [e-mail]

Abstract

The Philippines has unique geological history, which made our country rich in mineral resources and at the same time evolved a significant number of endemic flora and fauna. The country is considered to be one of the top producers of gold, copper, nickel that fuels industrialization globally. Even before World War II, mining industry has prospered as well as small-scale mining.

Mining areas are characterized by nutrient-poor soils and can have acidic pH. Plants that can thrive in such conditions are called metallophytes, which is a unique assemblage of plants found in such areas. Plants that can concentrate significant amounts of metals in their structures are called plant accumulators or hyperaccumulators. The research is focused on the identification of plants that are potential accumulators of Copper (Cu) collected in mining areas of the Philippines (Benguet and Surigao) namely: Solanum nigrum, Alternathera sessilis, Pteris melanocaulon, and Pityrograma calomelanos. Furthermore, potential Arsenic (As) accumulators that were identified are Pteris vitata, Pteris melanocaulon, and Pityrograma calomelanos. The corresponding bioconcentration factors of these plants were calculated, in which the ratio of the heavy metal absorbed relative to the amount of metal in the soil is determined. These types of plants can help clean up contaminated soils, rehabilitate abandoned mines, and for phytomining as an alternative post-mining activity for the local communities.

This work addresses the challenges in responsible mining and is an example of Green Technology that promotes cleaner and efficient mining.

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Location of Matrix

Matrix @ Biopolis

30 Biopolis Street

Singapore 138671

By MRT/Bus

Alight at the Buona Vista MRT and walk towards the Ministry of Education Building (MOE). Take the road that goes up the hill until Matrix building.

Bus Services along North Buona Vista Road : 91, 92, 95, 74, 191, 196, 198, 200
By Taxi

Ask to the taxi driver to drop you at Matrix building in Biopolis; Postcode 138671.

Notes