Showing papers by "Jean Louis Morel published in 2015"

Ecosystem services provided by soils of urban, industrial, traffic, mining, and military areas (SUITMAs)

Abstract: The sustainable use and management of global soils is one of the greatest challenges for the future. In the urban ecosystem, soils play an essential role with their functions and ecosystem services. However, they are still poorly taken into consideration to enhance the sustainable development of urban ecosystems. This paper proposes a categorization of soils of urbanized areas, i.e., areas strongly affected by human activities, according to their ecosystem services. Focus is put first on ecosystem services provided by non-urban soils. Then, the characteristics and number of services provided by soil groups of urbanized areas and their importance are given for each soil group. Soils of urbanized areas are here defined as SUITMAs, because they include soils of urban, sensu stricto, industrial, traffic, mining, and military areas. This definition refers to a large number of soil types of strongly anthropized areas. SUITMAs were organized in four soil groups, i.e., (1) pseudo-natural soils, (2) vegetated engineered soils, (3) dumping site soils, and (4) sealed soils. For each soil group, examples for ecosystem services were given, evaluated, and ranked. This proposal contributes to foster the dialogue between urban spatial planning and soil scientists to improve both soil science in the city and recognition of SUITMAs regarding their role for the sustainable development of urban ecosystems and, in particular, to enhance multifunctional soils in urban areas.

Agromining: farming for metals in the future?

Abstract: Phytomining technology employs hyperaccumulator plants to take up metal in harvestable plant biomass. Harvesting, drying and incineration of the biomass generates a high-grade bio-ore. We propose that ``agromining'' (a variant of phytomining) could provide local communities with an alternative type of agriculture on degraded lands; farming not for food crops, but for metals such as nickel (Ni). However, two decades after its inception and numerous successful experiments, commercial phytomining has not yet become a reality. To build the case for the minerals industry, a large-scale demonstration is needed to identify operational risks and provide ``real-life'' evidence for profitability.

Improving the Agronomy of Alyssum murale for Extensive Phytomining: A Five-Year Field Study

Abstract: Large ultramafic areas exist in Albania, which could be suitable for phytomining with native Alyssummurale. We undertook a five-year field experiment on an ultramafic Vertisol, aimed at optimizing a low-cost Ni-phytoextraction crop of A. murale which is adapted to the Balkans. The following aspects were studied on 18-m(2) plots in natural conditions: the effect of (i) plant phenology and element distribution, (ii) plant nutrition and fertilization, (iii) plant cover and weed control and (iv), planting technique (natural cover vs. sown crop). The optimal harvest time was set at the mid-flowering stage when Ni concentration and biomass yield were highest. The application of N, P, and K fertilizers, and especially a split 100-kg ha(-1) N application, increased the density of A. murale against all other species. It significantly increased shoot yield, without reducing Ni concentration. In natural stands, the control of graminaceous weeds required the use of an anti-monocots herbicide. However, after the optimization of fertilization and harvest time, weed control procured little benefit. Finally, cropping sown A. murale was more efficient than enhancing native stands and gave higher biomass and phytoextraction yields; biomass yields progressively improved from 0.3 to 9.0 t ha(-1) and phytoextracted Ni increased from 1.7 to 105 kg ha(-1).

Plant growth and metal uptake by a non-hyperaccumulating species (Lolium perenne) and a Cd-Zn hyperaccumulator (Noccaea caerulescens) in contaminated soils amended with biochar

Abstract: Biochar could be used as a soil amendment in metal contaminated soils, for safe crop production or soil remediation purposes This work was conducted to study the effects of biochar amendments on metal uptake by two contrasted plants grown on metal-contaminated soils A non-hyperaccumulating plant (Lolium perenne) and a Cd- and Zn-hyperaccumulator (Noccea caerulescens) were grown in pots on acidic (A) and alkaline (B) soil contaminated by Cd, Pb and Zn, both amended by a wood-derived biochar Biochar amendments decreased the availability of metals by increasing soil pH, but also decreased Ca, P and N availability Growth of L perenne was increased and shoot metal uptake decreased by biochar addition in both soils, although increasing biochar dose above 05 % resulted in a progressive decrease of shoot production on soil B Growth of N caerulescens was not significantly affected by biochar But an increase of Cd uptake with 5 % biochar was recorded on both soils, and of Zn uptake on soil B Beside immobilizing metals, biochar may decrease the availability of nutrients, leading either to plant deficiency or to a decreased competition with cations for metal uptake, thus enhancing extraction of metals by hyperaccumulators

The effect of plant density in nickel-phytomining field experiments with Alyssum murale in Albania

Abstract: Ultramafic vertisols cover large areas in Albania and offer opportunities for phytomining. We undertook a field experiment with native Alyssum murale on two representative Vertisols at a distance of 20 km from each other (Pojske and Domosdove, Albania), to test the effect of planting density (transplanted seedlings) on a phytomining cropping system. Both areas were cleared in late summer 2012 and then ploughed and the soils were characterised. At Domosdove, an area of 0.5 ha was planted with local native seedlings at a density of six plants per square metre in September 2012. Spontaneous plants that had germinated in Spring 2012 were left to grow without any competition from other plants on a second 0.1-ha plot at Domosdove. All plots were weeded manually in the autumn of 2012 and spring of 2013. Individual plants occupied ~1 m2 at maturity. At Pojske, an area of 0.3 ha was also planted in September 2012 with local native seedlings of A. murale at a density of four plants per square metre. Plants grown at initial densities of four and six plants per square metre did not fully cover the ground; gaps were filled in naturally by a second spontaneous generation of A. murale seedlings (recruits) that had germinated in Autumn 2012. Other weeds were eliminated with herbicides. At Domosdove, at densities of one and six plants and at Pojske of four plants per square metre, the biomass yield was 10, 5 and 10 t ha–1, respectively. Concentration of phytoextracted nickel was 77, 41 and 112 kg ha–1. We suggest that a density of four plants per square metre is suitable for phytoextraction with native populations of A. murale. A. murale can be a weed itself and lower the nickel phytoextraction yield. Plants responded differently in their native environment than in previous field trials in North America.

Development of the soil research about urban, industrial, traffic, mining and military areas (SUITMA)

Abstract: The share of urban population of the world is expected to reach 75% by around 2050. The need to offer within the cities soil services rose awareness of keeping soil functions in cities. Parallel to strong growth of cities some cities are shrinking. In cope with this, working groups (WG) of urban soils have been established (AK Stadtboeden1987, Germany, ICOMANTH 1995, USA, and internationally the IUSS WG US/SUITMA 1998 (Urban Soils/Soils of Urban, Industrial, Traffic, Mining and Military Areas)).The first attempts at urban soil surveys involved municipal waters and sewers in the USA in the 1970s. In the 1990s, the soils of about 15 cities were mapped, totally or in part, in Germany, and in the USA in Baltimore, and recently in New York. But at all times the soil pollution was a main interest of urban soil investigation. Urban soils are characterized by their particular use on which first attempts of soil classification are based. As knowledge about soil morphology and soil composition increased, so...

Biomass and metal yield of co-cropped Alyssum murale and Lupinus albus

Abstract: Combining crops is a potential option to gain more value from ultramafic soils. This work was designed to investigate the co-cropping of a legume,Lupinus albus, and a Ni-hyperaccumulator,Alyssum muraleWaldst. & Kit, and determine whether growth and metal uptake would be altered by a companion plant. A pot experiment was conducted in a growth chamber in two serpentine topsoils that were low in P but differed in Ni and Mn concentrations. The soils were aM agnesic Eutric Cambisol (S1) and aH ypermagnesicHypereutric Cambisol (S2). Pots were split into two compartments along the diagonal by a double-layer nylon mesh, and the space between the meshes was filled with same soil. Each plant was either mono-cropped (sown on both compartments) or co-cropped (one species per compartment). For all combinations, two treatments were prepared: one with no P fertilisation and the other with P addition. L. albus and A. murale plants were grown for 45 and 57 days respectively. Results showed that both plants responded positively to P fertilisation. In co-cropping systems on non-P treatments, L. albus accounted for the majority of the total biomass (higher than 90%), whereas with P addition the contribution of A. murale reached almost 40%. P fertilisation provoked an increase in Ni concentration in A. murale (S1), or no change (S2). Co-cropping significantly reduced Ni concentration in shoots of A. murale and total Ni exportation was slightly lower than when plants were grown individually. L. albus accumulated high concentrations of Mn and co-cropping and P deficiency increased Mn uptake. In this co-cropping system L. albus and A. murale interacted positively, and this association is a feasible means to increase the productivity of phytomining on serpentine soils provided appropriate fertilisation is supplied.

Emission of trace elements and retention of Cu and Zn by mineral and organic materials used in green roofs

Abstract: Purpose The increasing surface area of green roofs (GR) may have a significant impact on the quantity and quality of urban drainage. However, the chemical quality of effluents produced by GR in comparison to atmospheric deposit and other roof surfaces has to date been poorly assessed. It is necessary to determine whether a green roof acts as a sink or source of pollutants. This work was conducted to study the capacity of four materials commonly used to build green roofs.

Expected evolution of a Technosol derived from excavated Callovo-Oxfordian clay material

Abstract: Raw geological materials excavated then piled on large surface areas are submitted to pedogenetic factors. Knowledge of the evolution of this freshly exposed material is required to predict the newly developed Technosol and the corresponding ecosystem. The pedogenetic evolution of a Technosol developed on excavated Callovo-Oxfordian clay minerals (COx) is assessed from the analysis of natural soils developed on analogous materials. Work was based on the hypothesis that the evolution of raw geological materials could be deduced from that of natural soils on similar outcrops in similar climatic conditions. A comparison was made on the basis of mineralogical and geochemical criteria between the unweathered clays and soil material collected from the horizons of two reference pedons on a COx outcrop in North-Eastern France, used by forest or agriculture, and a 10-year-old Technosol derived from freshly excavated COx material piled under outdoor climatic conditions. Soil profiles were described and each sampled horizon was characterized for mineralogy, and physical and chemical properties. Soil profiles were classified as Vertic Stagnic Hypereutric Cambisol (Forest) and Vertic Stagnic Calcaric Cambisol (Meadow), and compared to the Calcaric Technosol (no vegetation yet). They clearly showed brunification and decarbonatization as the major processes having governed their evolution. Signs of clay leaching were also visible on the forest soil. A fairly good adequacy was observed between soil material sampled in the soil deep horizons (2.5 m), the Technosol deep horizon (1.7 m), and the freshly excavated material. Slight differences were recorded, however, i.e., salt loss (NaCl), sulfide oxidation, and precipitation of gypsum from sulfate and calcium released by decarbonatization, as earlier observed in leaching experiments. Salt loss is a rapid process almost completed to the same extent in the Technosol after 10 years than in the Calcaric Cambisol after centuries. The soil under forest showed signs of stronger pedogenetic evolution than the soil submitted to agriculture (meadow), probably because the latter has been refreshed by man-induced erosion. COx evolution can be predicted from the analysis of soils developed on similar outcrops. The Technosol developed on these carbonated materials would evolve as a result of extremely rapid leaching of the soluble phases, then surface enrichment of organic matter, surface decarbonatization, and progressive brunification of the whole profile as the major processes, and give rise to a Cambisol. Technosol study is an interesting approach for dating the age of pedogenetic processes.

Letter to the editors: Phyto-P-mining—secondary urban green recycles phosphorus from soils constructed of urban wastes

Abstract: Cities are hotspots of consumption of matter, energy, and water and hotspots of production of wastes, which are also secondary resources. Nutrients such as phosphorus are hardly extracted and recycled from these wastes, except from sewage sludge. This paper discusses a concept for the recycling of P from a great variety of urban wastes (phyto-P-mining). Phyto-P-mining is based on the plant extraction of P from waste materials, which were used to produce planting substrates. They are intended for the greening of urban structures, which were de-vegetated during urbanization or which were not intended to be vegetated before (secondary urban green). After the newly established plants have extracted P, their biomass can be used to produce bioenergy (biogas, wood) or compost. Phosphorus could then be recycled from digestion residues and ashes or directly from compost. Phyto-P-mining is based on otherwise wasted nutrients and on the greening of a high number of not yet vegetated plots, including public or private plazas, sidewalks, roofs, and fallows. Greening is a major goal for urban planning, as functioning soil-vegetation-complexes provide ecosystem services such as climate regulation, dust absorption, wind brake, or aesthetic improvement. Especially in the dense inner city quarters, where vegetation is rare, new green improves public health and well-being. However, due to the lack of available horizontal but the high abundance of vertical structures like walls and facades in city centers, vertical green will be very important for phyto-P-mining. It can efficiently extract P from wastes due to its high ratio of biomass to ground area. Like the vertical areas, the vertical greens are often private properties. Although private greening is primarily conducted for social and cultural reasons, direct market benefits such as bioenergy or fertilizers may reduce costs for the greening. This will foster private urban greening to the benefit of the community and also the recycling of nutrients from urban resources. Phyto-P-mining based on secondary urban green will reestablish soil functions and natural cycling mechanisms in artificial urban systems. The approach has a great potential (i) to improve the urban living environments and to deliver benefits such as (ii) the recycling of phosphorus and other nutrients from urban wastes for the application in urban or rural agri- or horticulture and (iii) the ethically and ecologically sound production of bioenergy.

Agromining for nickel: a complete chain that optimizes ecosystem services rendered by ultramafic landscapes

Abstract: Serpentine (i.e. ultramafic) outcrops in Europe cover more than 10,000 km2 and have a low-fertility and low-productivity, making them unattractive for traditional agriculture. Many of these areas are slowly abandoned by local farmers, with rural exodus and landscape closure. However, ultramafic landscapes have the potential to provide multiple ecosystem services and can contribute to Europe’s goals towards insuring food security, production of renewable raw materials and renewable energy. Phytomining (Agromining) cultivates plants that are able to accumulate trace metals from metal-rich soils and transport them to the shoots (>1%), which can then be harvested as a bio-ore to recover highly valuable metals, e.g. nickel (Ni). Nickel agromining can offer an eco-efficient alternative to classical pyro- or hydrometallurgical processes, as well as providing biomass for local energy production. Phytomining agroecosystems can lead to better soil resource efficiency and can offer a fully integrated, new agromining agriculture that could cover thousands of km2 in Europe and benefit local communities with a sustainable rural development.

Current developments in agromining and phytomining

Abstract: Harvesting metals from hyperaccumulator biomass (or 'metal crops') may be implemented either as an alternative type of agriculture by farmers (agromining), or implemented on mined-out or degraded land (phytomining). Scientific experiments and field trials relating to agromining/phytomining are being developed at various locations around the world. Large-scale commercial application of the technology has not yet happened however, and to build the case for investors or to seek industry adoption, a large-scale demonstration is urgently needed. We outline current developments in the agromining/phytomining field on the basis of research undertaken by our team.