Greenhouse investigation on the phytoremediation potential of pioneer tree Pinus halepensis Mill. in abandoned mine site.

The novelty of this study is the selection of Pinus halepensis Mill. as a proper tree species for long-term phytoremediation of multi-heavy metal mine tailing sites. This plant species not only had adaptation to the Mediterranean climate and could tolerate high temperatures and high metal concentrations, but also showed high survival and growth percentage of its roots and epigean organs in highly contaminated mine tailing. Pinus halepensis could limit metal accumulation and toxicity in the aerial part of the plant with the addition of compost amendment. This study demonstrates that compost can enhance soil properties and modify metal bioavailability. The outcomes can be beneficial for the phytostabilization project and restoration of similar Mediterranean mine sites.