Publications

June 29

Product 3.3. Collection of microbial strains with biotechnological potential

Title

Product 3.3. Collection of microbial strains with biotechnological potential

Involved partners

All

Authors

Helena Moreira (UCP-CRP), Sofia Pereira (UCP-CRP), Ana Sofia Sousa (UCP-CRP), Lur Epelde (NEIKER), Mikel Anza (NEIKER), Beatriz Rodríguez-Garrido (MBG-CSIC), Carmela Monterroso-Martínez (USC), Ángeles Prieto-Fernández (MBG-CSIC), Carmen Trasar-Cepeda (MBG-CSIC), Michel Mench (INRA), José María Becerril (UPV/EHU), Paula Castro (UCP-CRP), Manu Soto (UPV/EHU), Lur Epelde (NEIKER), Álvaro Nunes de Sousa (CloverStrategy), Juan Vilela (CEA), Carlos Garbisu (NEIKER)

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June 29

Product 3.2. Collection of germplasm from metallophytic and metallicolous plants

Title

Product 3.2. Collection of germplasm from metallophytic and metallicolous plants

Involved partners

All

Authors

Helena Moreira (UCP-CRP), Sofia Pereira (UCP-CRP), Agustí Agut (CEA), Brais Hermosilla (CEA), Juan
Vilela (CEA), Ana Sofia Sousa (UCP-CRP), , Michel Mench (INRA), Florian Delerue (INP-UB), Beatriz Rodríguez-
Garrido (MBG-CSIC), Carmela Monterroso-Martínez (USC), Ángeles Prieto-Fernández (MBG-CSIC), Carmen
Trasar-Cepeda (MBG-CSIC), José María Becerril (UPV/EHU), Paula Castro (UCP-CRP), Manu Soto (UPV/EHU), Lur
Epelde (NEIKER), , Álvaro Nunes de Sousa (CloverStrategy), Carlos Garbisu (NEIKER)

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June 29

Product 3.1. Strategy for the conservation of native biodiversity in mining sites contaminated with potentially toxic metal(loid)s

Title

Product 3.1. Strategy for the conservation of native biodiversity in mining sites contaminated with potentially toxic metal(loid)s

Involved partners

All

Authors

Helena Moreira (UCP-CRP), Sofia Pereira (UCP-CRP), Ana Sofia Sousa (UCP-CRP), Agustí Agut (CEA), Michel Mench (INRA), Brais Hermosilla (CEA), Beatriz Rodríguez-Garrido (MBG-CSIC), Carmela Monterroso-Martínez (USC), Ángeles Prieto-Fernández (MBG-CSIC), Carmen Trasar-Cepeda (MBG-CSIC), José María Becerril (UPV/EHU), Paula Castro (UCP-CRP), Manu Soto (UPV/EHU), Lur Epelde (NEIKER), Juan Vilela (CEA), Álvaro Nunes de Sousa (CloverStrategy), Carlos Garbisu (NEIKER)

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June 29

Product 2.2. Assessment of the state of the network of phytomanaged sites

Title

Product 2.2. Assessment of the state of the network of phytomanaged sites

Involved partners

All

Authors

Michel Mench, Gaelle Capdeville, Séverin Jouveau, Régis Burlett, Sylvain Delzon, Yerslan Token, Emma Clément, Sophie Beaujean, Mathilde Henrion, Raphael Segura, Florian Delerue, Beatriz Rodriguez, Angeles Prieto Fernandez, Carmela Monterroso, Lur Epelde, Carlos Garbisu, Souhir Soussou, Juan Vilela, Jose Maria Becerril, Manu Soto, E. Urionabarrenetxea, N. Garcia-Velasco, U Izagirre, B. Zaldibar, Antonio Hernández, U. Artetxe, M. Anza, Oihana Etxeberria, N Garcia, I Marigómez, Helena Gomes-Moreira, Paula Castro, Laurent Dudoit, Barbara Faure, Alvaro Nunes de Sousa, Tiago Luz, Rita Tentugal

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June 29

Product 2.1. Phy2SUDOE network enlargement – Characterization of new sites

Title

Product 2.1. Phy2Sudoe network enlargement – Characterization of new sites

Involved partners

All

Authors

Michel Mench, Gaelle Capdeville, Séverin Jouveau, Régis Burlett, Sylvain Delzon, Yerslan Token, Emma Clément, Sophie Beaujean, Mathilde Henrion, Raphael Segura, Florian Delerue, Beatriz Rodriguez, Angeles Pietro Fernandez, Carmela Monterroso, Lur Epelde, Carlos Garbisu, Souhir Soussou, Juan Vilela, Jose Maria Becerril, Manu Soto, E. Urionabarrenetxea, N. Garcia-Velasco, U Izagirre, B. Zaldibar A. Hernández, U. Artetxe, M. Anza, Oihana Etxeberria, N Garcia, I Marigómez, H Moreira, P Castro, L Dudoit, B Faure

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June 29

Product 1.2. Guía técnica avanzada de BUENAS PRÁCTICAS, ampliada y mejorada respecto a PhytoSUDOE, para la fitogestión a largo plazo de espacios contaminados

Title

Producto 1.2. Guía técnica avanzada de BUENAS PRÁCTICAS, ampliada y mejorada respecto a PhytoSUDOE, para la fitogestión a largo plazo de espacios contaminados

Involved partners

All

Authors

Beatriz Rodríguez-Garrido (MBG-CSIC), Carmela Monterroso-Martínez (USC), Ángeles Prieto-Fernández (MBG-CSIC), Carmen Trasar-Cepeda (MBGCSIC), Carlos Garbisu (NEIKER), Michel Mench (INRA), Paula Castro (UCP), José María Becerril (UPV/EHU), Manu Soto (UPV/EHU), Mikel Anza (NEIKER), Lur Epelde (NEIKER), Erik Urionabarrenetxea (UPV/EHU), Juan Vilela (CEA), Helena Moreira (UCP), Sofía Pereira (UCP), Ana Sofía Sousa (UCP), Souhir Soussou (Fertil’Innov Environnement), Álvaro Nunes de Sousa (CloverStrategy).

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June 29

Product 1.1. Guía técnica avanzada de herramientas para la monitorización a largo plazo de espacios fitogestionados

Title

Product 1.1. Guía técnica avanzada de herramientas para la monitorización a largo plazo de espacios fitogestionados

Involved partners

All

Authors

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April 30

Communication at the SETAC Europe 33rd Annual Meeting

Title

Testing organic amendment, Populus nigra plantation and bioinoculation on mine polluted soil material for phytoremediation optimization purposes

Involved partners

USC, CSIC

Publication data

Marc Romero-Estonllo, Judith Ramos-Castro, Yaiza San Miguel del Río, Ángeles Prieto-Fernández, Beatríz Rodríguez-Garrido, Petra Susan Kidd, Carmela Monterroso

SETAC Europe 33^rd Annual Meeting, Data-Driven environmental decision-making, April 2023, Dublin

Abstract

Mine driven trace elements’ pollution entails environmental risks and causes soil infertility. In situ techniques such as phytostabilization have become increasingly important to tackle these negative impacts. The aim of this study was to test the individual and combined effects of different aided phytostabilization techniques using substrate from tailings of an old Cu mine (Phy2SUDOE network), characterized by high acidity and deficiency of organic matter and nutrients. The experiment analyzed the growth of Populus nigra cropping in pots containing substrate a amended with compost non inoculated or inoculated with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria or mycorrhizae or a bacterial combination and fungal inoculates. Non-amended, non-planted and non-inoculated reference pots were also prepared. Plants were harvested after three mounths and nutrient content were determined. Then soil was analyzed for several physicochemical and microbiological properties. Joint use of compost, P. nigra plantation, and inoculation with rhizobacteria were the best techniques to reduce toxicity and improve soil fertility, as well as to increase the survival and productivity. The results support the use of organic amendments, tolerant plants, and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria to reduce environmental risk and improve fertility of soils impacted by mining.

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April 27

Phy2SUDOE Newsletter #4

Involved partners
All

Publication data
April, 2023

Abstract
The six-monthly newsletter provides updated information on our project progress. This last issue includes the latest updates on the project and information on the closing activities: final conference, video summary and final report.

April 11

Phy2SUDOE Final Report (Layman)

Involved partners
All

Publication data
Phy2SUDOE. Advancing in the application of innovative phytomanagement strategies in contaminated areas in the SUDOE area

Abstract
The collaboration of different entities in Southwest Europe has allowed us to continue to advance in a better understanding of the climatic and environmental setting of this part of the world and has facilitated the construction of a shared knowledge of soil and its management through alternative nature-based techniques that are more respectful of the environment.
We have seen that there are several key factors for the success of phytomanagement: the application of good practices, the maintenance of phytomanagement over time, biomonitoring, and water management, among others.
After a process requiring patience, ecosystems have been recreated with multiple associated services, including biomass production, pollution control, and stimulation of soil organisms for efficient nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.
All this new knowledge has been made publicly available so that, in the future, other projects and research can be used as a basis for continuing to contribute to improving the world we live.

April 11

Mycoremediation with Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus growth substrates for the recovery of a Pb and y-HCH contaminated soil

Involved partners
NEIKER and UPV/EHU

Publication data
Mycoremediation with Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus growth substrates versus phytoremediation with Festuca rubra and Brassica sp. for the recovery of a Pb and y-HCH contaminated soil.

Abstract
Mycoremediation with mushroom growth substrates can be used for the recovery of mixed contaminated soils due to the benefits derived from the physicochemical characteristics of the substrates, the activity of extracellular enzymes secreted by the fungi, and the presence of the fungal mycelia. The objective of this work was to assess the potential of Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus growth substrates (inoculated mushroom substrates vs. spent mushroom substrates) for the mycoremediation of soils co-contaminated with lead and lindane (γ-HCH). We compared the efficiency of these mycoremediation strategies with the phytoremediation with Brassica spp. Or Festuca rubra plants, in terms of both reduction in contaminant levels and enhancement of soil health. An enhanced soil health was achieved as a result of the application of mycoremediation treatments, compared to phytoremediation and control (untreated) treatments. The application of P. ostreatus inoculated substrate led to the most significant reduction in γ-HCH concentration (up to 88.9% compared to corresponding controls). In the presence of inoculated mushroom substrate, P. ostreatus fruiting bodies extracted more Pb than Brassica spp. Or F. rubra plants. Mycoremediation with P. ostreatus growth substrates appears a promising strategy for the recovery of the health of soils co-contaminated with Pb and γ-HCH.

April 11

3rd Global Soil biodiversity Conference 2023

Involved partners
All

Publication data
Long-term effects of phytomanagement with Populus sp. on soil biodiversity

Abstract
Soil metal contamination is a worldwide problem of great magnitude. Phytomanagement is based on the use of plants to reduce and control risks arising from soil pollution while at the same time restoring and generating other wider site services. The Phy2SUDOE project maintains a network of contaminated sites that have been under phytomanagement for many years in Portugal, Spain and France. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of phytomanagement with Populus sp. on soil biodiversity and complexity at different levels of the trophic web.

March 26

Communication at the 3rd Global Soil Biodiversity Conference

Title

Impact of Long-term Phytomanagement of Cu/Pb Mine Tailings on Soil Biochemical Functionality

Involved partners

USC, CSIC

Publication data

Ángeles Prieto-Fernández, Beatríz Rodríguez-Garrido, Carmela Monterroso, Carmen Trasar-Cepeda

3rd Global Soil Biodiversity Conference, March 2023, Dublin

Abstract

The study evaluates the long-term effects on soil functionality of different phytomanagement options in a former Pb/Zn mine in the temperate-humid zone of Spain. The long-term influence of willow (Salix smithiana Willd) plants, either as monoculture or intercropped with alder (Alnus sp.), and soil organic amendments (green compost) or inorganic fertilization (NPK) on several soil enzyme activities was evaluated. Results from phytomanaged soils are compared with those obtained in unplanted soils, untreated or treated with compost. In the absence of compost amendment, the soil enzymatic activities in the willow monoculture plots (with near neutral pH) tended to be even lower than in the unplanted plots. The addition of compost led to an increase in soil organic matter and in all enzyme activities. The highest values were observed in compost amended plots cultivated with willow in co-cropping with alder. When activity values are expressed per carbon unit, the positive effect of compost tended to disappear, except in intercropped plots. The addition of green compost combined with intercropping of willow with alder, appears to be a suitable management to increase and maintain in the long term the functionality of mine tailings soils contaminated with Pb/ Zn/Cd and with pH close to neutrality.

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March 16

Nature-based solutions for soil remediation in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain)

Involved partners
NEIKER, MBG-CSIC, UPV-EHU, CEA Vitoria-Gasteiz and INRAE

Publication data
Nature-based solutions for soil remediation in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain). The case of the Phy2Sudoe project.

Journal of Agricultural Sciences (Sociedade de Ciencias Agrarias de Portugal)

Abstract
To the west of Vitoria-Gasteiz, there are industrial areas whose rapid growth caused the ecological fragmentation of the surrounding territory. The working area (Mendebaldea, 30 ha) was in a state of abandonment and contaminated soils before the intervention, which prevented its public use and any activity. The restoration of the area was proposed using nature-based solutions to create a large green infrastructure that would provide various environmental benefits: climate change mitigation, soil recovery and landscape improvement.

2022

December 18

Communication at the International Conference on Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements (1)

Title

Effect of several soil amendments on water quality in mine soils: leaching columns

Involved partners

USC, CSIC

Publication data

Carmela Monterroso, Marc Romero-Estonllo, Carlos Pascual, Beatríz Rodríguez-Garrido

International Conference on Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements, December, 2022, New York, USA

Abstract

In this work, the capacity of different organic amendments to improve water quality and reduce the mobility of metals in mine-tailings was evaluated. A field pilot test was carried out with leaching columns installed on an old Cu mine ore (NW of Spain) which form part of the PhytoSUDOE network. Ten columns were packed with untreated mine tailings (control) or those treated with organic amendments. In each column rhizon-samplers were installed and pore water samples were obtained by suction. Additionally, a bottom leachate sample was collected through a valve installed at the bottom of the column. Porewater and leachate from the control columns were extremely acidic and had a high concentration of Al, Fe and Cu. In these columns, no plant development was observed. The application of organic amendments improved soil conditions, which allowed the establishment of a dense cover of grasses in the rest of the columns. The combined effect of soil amendment and plant growth had a positive impact on water quality and reduced mobility of aluminum and heavy metals.

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December 18

Communication at the International Conference on Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements (2)

Title

Glasshouse experiment to improve phytomanagement solutions for Cu-polluted mine soils

Involved partners

USC, CSIC

Publication data

Marc Romero-Estonllo, Judith Ramos-Castro, Yaiza San Miguel, Beatríz Rodríguez-Garrido, Carmela Monterroso

International Conference on Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements, December, 2022, New York, USA

Abstract

A glasshouse assay with trace element polluted soils from an old Cu mine ore (NW of Spain) which form part of the PhytoSUDOE network was set. The objective was to evaluate improvements induced by the following phytoremediation-related treatments. Three increasingly complex amendments alone or together with plant growth (Populus nigra L. alone and together with Tripholium repens L.) were tested. And three different rhizosphere bioinocula were applied (Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGP), mycorrhiza (MYC), or mixed (PGP+MYC)). After 110 days of growth plants were collected and biomass was weighted and tree length measured. Plant tessue analysis were carried and physical-chemical soil properties were determined. Soil amendment, plant growth and bioinoculation, demonstrated to improve soil fertility and/or plant health within the time span of this study. Particularly, pH levels increased from 3 (highly acidic) to 5 (acidic) in the worst-case scenario, even reaching 7 (neutrality) in the best plots. Organic matter and pH increments were related with polluting metals’ bioavailability decrements. Plants grew the better both with the most complex amendment and the middle one, with few differences due to bioinoculation. Using the less complex amendment (just compost) beneficial effects of bioinoculants were more observable, although plants didn’t thrive very well. On unamended soils plants neither sprouted nor bloomed. The scheme assayed in this study is suitable for phytomanagement of these kinds of soils affected by mining activity. These findings should be tested now at a larger scale.

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December 14

Seminário: Desafios Na Gestão E Recuperação Sustentável Do Solo

Involved partners
UCP (Universidade Católica Portuguesa)

Publication data
Seminário: Desafios na Gestão e Recuperação Sustentável do Solo

Porto, December 2, 2022

Abstract
As part of the commemoration of the World Soil Day established by FAO, and in the context of the Phy2SUDOE project, the School of Biotechnology/Centre of Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) promoted a seminar dedicated to the sustainable management and restoration of soil health. Participants had the opportunity to gain knowledge about the work done in these areas and to discuss the topic with the speakers.

Link (Portuguese)

June 25

Phytomanagement Of Metal(Loid)- Contaminated Soils: From The Concept To The Real World

Involved partners
INRAE & Neiker

Publication data

International Symposium “Microelements in Agriculture and in the Environment”

Wrocław, June 22-25, 2022

Abstract

The European Green Deal and its EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 request urgent restoration efforts for damaged ecosystems and place the rehabilitation of degraded, polluted and artificialized soils as an environmental, economic and societal priority. Sustainable nature-based solutions must be designed, tested, and implemented across Europe and beyond to develop effective soil remediation methodologies, to use biomass for the bioeconomy, and to limit urban sprawl and climate change.

June 17

Advancing In The Application Of Innovative Phytomanagement Strategies In Contaminated Areas Of The SUDOE Space: Progress Of The Phy2SUDOE Project.

Involved partners
All

Publication data
8th European Bioremediation Conference, Chania, Greece, June 12-17, 2022
e-BOOK OF ABSTRACTS – ISBN 978-618-5558-01-7

Abstract

Phytomanagement is a set of phytotechnologies combining (1) phytoremediation options based on the use of plants (trees, shrubs, and herbaceous) and associated microorganisms to control the polluant linkages due to contamination excess in soils at degraded sites, (2) the production of valuable biomass that can be locally processed to supply e.g, wood, rein, essential oils, bioenergy, ecomaterials, biosourced chemicals, ecocatalysts, etc, and (3) the remediation / supply of ecological functions to enhance ecosystem services (e.g., C sequestration, erosion control, creation of habitats, and biodiversity conservation).

June 3

Phy2SUDOE Newsletter #3

Involved partners
All

Publication data
June, 2022

Abstract
The six-monthly newsletter provides updated information on our project progress, achievements and important forthcoming activities related to the phytomanagement of degraded and/or contaminated soils. This third newsletter includes all the project progress by June 2nd.

June 3

Communication at the Iberian Soil Science Congress 2022

Involved partners
CEA & All

Publication data
June, 2022

Abstract

From 22nd to 24th june the IX Iberian Congress of Soil Sciences (CICS 2022) was held in Oeiras-Lisbon and our Interreg Sudoe Phy2Sudoe project was represented thanks to Juan Vilela, technician of the Environmental Studies Centre of Vitoria-Gasteiz, CEA. Vilela took advantage of his participation in this event to present the communication “Nature-based solutions for soil remediation in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain). The case of the Phy2Sudoe project”, with the participation of all partners. The information is available in the following link from page 362.

May 9

Article in Environmental Technology & Innovation

Title
Zero-valent iron nanoparticles and organic amendment assisted rhizoremediation of mixed contaminated soil using Brassica napus,

Publication Data

June Hidalgo, Mikel Anza, Lur Epelde, José M. Becerril, Carlos Garbisu,
Environmental Technology & Innovation,. ISSN 2352-1864 // https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2022.102621.

Abstract

Soil is one of our most important natural resources. Regrettably, the expansion of human activities has resulted in the degradation of the soil resource due to contamination with a myriad of organic and inorganic compounds. The remediation of mixed contaminated soils, i.e. soils contaminated with both organic compounds and metals, is challenging as it requires actions to simultaneously decrease metal-induced risks and organic contaminant concentrations. Here, we evaluated the effect of the addition of zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nanoremediation) and organic amendments (biostimulation) on the rhizoremediation, using Brassica napus plants, of soil simultaneously contaminated with zinc (2500 mg kg ⁻¹) and lindane (100 mg kg⁻¹). We used a factorial design with three factors (amendment, nZVI, plant) to evaluate the impact of the applied remediation actions on lindane and extractable Zn concentrations, as well as on soil health recovery as manifested by the values of different soil microbial indicators. The studied microbial indicators were not negatively affected by nZVI application. The application of nZVI was the most effective factor regarding the targeted reduction in lindane concentration (51% average reduction in nZVI treated soils). The highest reduction in extractable Zn was achieved in the presence of B. napus, nZVI and organic amendments (99 and 95% reduction in horse manure-amended and sewage sludge-amended soils, respectively). The combination of the three factors led to the highest values of soil microbial indicators (although a significant triple interaction was not observed for all parameters), especially when combined with horse manure amendment: in this case, prokaryotic richness increased by 64%, respiration by 376%, eukaryotic abundance by 333%, and prokaryotic abundance by 437%, compared to untreated soils. The combination of remediation approaches (rhizoremediation with B. napus, nanoremediation with nZVI, biostimulation with organic amendments) can help overcome the limitations of each individual strategy.

May 2

Article in Revista de Ciências Agrárias

Title

Restauración de estériles de mina con enmiendas orgánicas y especies vegetales: Impacto sobre las propiedades físicas del suelo

Involved partners

USC, CSIC

Publication data

Carmela Monterroso, Remigio Paradelo, Marc Romero, Aida Guerra, Vanesa Álvarez, Ángeles Prieto, Beatriz Rodríguez, Petra Kidd
Sociedad de Ciencias Agrarias de Portugal. doi: 10.19084/rca.28745

Abstract

The use of organic amendments, created from manure, in the restoration of contaminated soils is a common practice which, in addition to recovering waste, improves the requirements for plant development and restores nutrients into the natural biogeochemical cycles. However, there are few field trials to evaluate the long-term effect of this practice on soil properties. The aim of this work is to study the evolution of soil physical properties in mine tailings restored by the combined use of organic amendments and different plant species (Salix viminalis or Agrostis capillaris). Soil physical conditions were very unfavourable for plant growth in the untreated mine waste soils, which had coarse textures, high density, low porosity, and low water storage capacity. The applied phytomanagement techniques improved soil aggregation, reduced compaction and increased soil porosity and water holding capacity. The characteristics achieved were similar to those of the surrounding natural soils.

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2021

December 15

Phy2SUDOE Newsletter #2

Involved partners
All

Publication data
december, 2021

Abstract
The six-monthly newsletter provides updated information on our project progress, achievements and important forthcoming activities related to the phytomanagement of degraded and/or contaminated soils. This second newsletter includes all the project progress by December 7th.

October 18

Paper in Environmental Science And Pollution Research

Title
Potential ability of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) to phytomanage an urban brownfield soil

Publication data
Eliana Di Lodovico, Lilian Marchand, Nadège Oustrière, Aritz Burges, Gaelle Capdeville, Régis Burlett, Sylvain Delzon, Marie-Pierre Isaure, Marta Marmiroli & Michel J. Mench
Environ Sci Pollut Res. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-16411-y

Abstract
The ability of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Badischer Geudertheimer) for phytomanaging and remediating soil ecological functions at a contaminated site was assessed with a potted soil series made by fading an uncontaminated sandy soil with a contaminated sandy soil from the Borifer brownfield site, Bordeaux, SW France, at the 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% addition rates. Activities of sandblasting and painting with metal-based paints occurred for decades at this urban brownfield, polluting the soil with metal(loid)s and organic contaminants, e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, in addition to past backfilling. Total topsoil metal(loid)s (e.g., 54,700 mg Zn and 5060 mg Cu kg⁻¹) exceeded by seven- to tenfold the background values for French sandy soils, but the soil pH was 7.9, and overall, the 1M NH₄NO₃ extractable soil fractions of metals were relatively low. Leaf area, water content of shoots, and total chlorophyll (Chl) progressively decreased with the soil contamination, but the Chl fluorescence remained constant near its optimum value. Foliar Cu and Zn concentrations varied from 17.8 ± 4.2 (0%) to 27 ± 5 mg Cu kg⁻¹ (100%) and from 60 ± 15 (0%) to 454 ± 53 mg Zn kg⁻¹ (100%), respectively. Foliar Cd concentration peaked up to 1.74 ± 0.09 mg Cd kg⁻¹, and its bioconcentration factor had the highest value (0.2) among those of the metal(loid)s. Few nutrient concentrations in the aboveground plant parts decreased with the soil contamination, e.g., foliar P concentration from 5972 ± 1026 (0%) to 2861 ± 334 mg kg⁻¹ (100%). Vulnerability to drought-induced embolism (P50) did not differ for the tobacco stems across the soil series, whereas their hydraulic efficiency (Ks) declined significantly with increasing soil contamination. Overall, this tobacco cultivar grew relatively well even in the Borifer soil (100%), keeping its photosynthetic system healthy under stress, and contaminant exposure did not increase the vulnerability of the vascular system to drought. This tobacco had a relevant potential to annually phytoextract a part of the bioavailable soil Zn and Cd, i.e., shoot removals representing here 8.8% for Zn and 43.3% for Cd of their 1M NH₄NO₃ extractable amount in the potted Borifer soil.

August 9

paper in Frontiers in Environmental Science

Title
Phytomanagement of Metal(loid)-Contaminated Soils: Options, Efficiency and Value

Publication data
Helena Moreira, Sofia I. A. Pereira, Michel Mench, Carlos Garbisu, Petra Kidd y Paula M. L. Castro
Front. Environ. Sci. 9:661423. doi: 10.3389/fenvs.2021.661423

Abstract
The growing loss of soil functionality due to contamination by metal(loid)s, alone or in combination with organic pollutants, is a global environmental issue that entails major risks to ecosystems and human health. Consequently, the management and restructuring of large metal(loid)-polluted areas through sustainable nature-based solutions is currently a priority in research programs and legislation worldwide. Over the last few years, phytomanagement has emerged as a promising phytotechnology, focused on the use of plants and associated microorganisms, together with ad hoc site management practices, for an economically viable and ecologically sustainable recovery of contaminated sites. It promotes simultaneously the recovery of soil ecological functions and the decrease of pollutant linkages, while providing economic revenues, e.g. by producing non-food crops for biomass-processing technologies (biofuel and bioenergy sector, ecomaterials, biosourced-chemistry, etc.), thus contributing to the international demand for sustainable and renewable sources of energy andrawmaterials for the bioeconomy. Potential environmental benefits also include the provision of valuable ecosystem services such as water drainage management, soil erosion deterrence, C sequestration, regulation of nutrient cycles, xenobiotic biodegradation, and metal(loid) stabilization. Phytomanagement relies on the proper selection of (i) plants and (ii) microbial inoculants with the capacity to behave as powerful plant allies, e.g., PGPB: plant growthpromoting bacteria and AMF: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. This review gives an up-to-date overview of the main annual, perennial, and woody crops, as well as the most adequate cropping systems, presently used to phytomanage metal(loid)-contaminated soils, and the relevant products and ecosystems services provided by the various phytomanagement options. Suitable bioaugmentation practices with PGPB and AMF are also discussed. Furthermore, we identify the potential interest of phytomanagement for stakeholders and end-users and highlight future opportunities boosted by an effective engagement between environmental protection and economic development. We conclude by presenting the legal and regulatory framework of soil remediation and by discussing prospects for phytotechnologies applications in the future.

June 7

Phy2SUDOE Newsletter #1

Involved partners
All

Publication data
January, 2021

Abstract
The six-monthly newsletter provides updated information on our project progress, achievements and important forthcoming activities related to the phytomanagement of degraded and/or contaminated soils. This first newsletter includes a brief introduction to the project.

May 31

Paper in Frontiers In Plant Science

Title
Mycorrhizal-Assisted Phytoremediation and Intercropping Strategies Improved the Health of Contaminated Soil in a Peri-Urban Area

Publication data
María T. Gómez-Sagasti, Carlos Garbisu, Julen Urra, Fátima Míguez, Unai Artetxe, Antonio Hernández, Juan Vilela, Itziar Alkorta and José M. Becerril
Front. Plant Sci. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2021.693044

Abstract
Soils of abandoned and vacant lands in the periphery of cities are frequently subjected to illegal dumping and can undergo degradation processes such as depletion of organic matter and nutrients, reduced biodiversity, and the presence of contaminants, which may exert an intense abiotic stress on biological communities. Mycorrhizal-assisted phytoremediation and intercropping strategies are highly suitable options for remediation of these sites. A two-year field experiment was conducted at a peri-urban site contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls, to assess the effects of plant growth (spontaneous plant species, Medicago sativa, and Populus × canadensis, alone vs. intercropped) and inoculation of a commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal inoculum. Contaminant degradation, plant performance, and biodiversity, as well as a variety of microbial indicators of soil health (microbial biomass, activity, and diversity parameters) were determined. The rhizosphere bacterial and fungal microbiomes were assessed by measuring the structural diversity and composition via amplicon sequencing. Establishment of spontaneous vegetation led to greater plant and soil microbial diversity. Intercropping enhanced the activity of soil enzymes involved in nutrient cycling. The mycorrhizal treatment was a key contributor to the establishment of intercropping with poplar and alfalfa. Inoculated and poplar-alfalfa intercropped soils had a higher microbial abundance than soils colonized by spontaneous vegetation. Our study provided evidence of the potential of mycorrhizal-assisted phytoremediation and intercropping strategies to improve soil health in degraded peri-urban areas.

March 22

Paper in Environmental Science and Pollution Research

Title

Keep and promote biodiversity at polluted sites under phytomanagement

Publication data
Garbisu, C., Alkorta, I., Kidd, P. et al.
Environ Sci Pollut Res 27, 44820–44834 (2020)

Abstract
The phytomanagement concept combines a sustainable reduction of pollutant linkages at risk-assessed contaminated sites with the generation of both valuable biomass for the (bio)economy and ecosystem services. One of the potential benefits of phytomanagement is the possibility to increase biodiversity in polluted sites. However, the unique biodiversity present in some polluted sites can be severely impacted by the implementation of phytomanagement practices, even resulting in the local extinction of endemic ecotypes or species of great conservation value. Here, we highlight the importance of promoting measures to minimise the potential adverse impact of phytomanagement on biodiversity at polluted sites, as well as recommend practices to increase biodiversity at phytomanaged sites without compromising its effectiveness in terms of reduction of pollutant linkages and the generation of valuable biomass and ecosystem services.

January 29

Paper in Ecological Engineering

Title
Phytomanagement with grassy species, compost and dolomitic limestone rehabilitates a meadow at a wood preservation site

Publication data
Aritz Burges, Nad`ege Oustriere, María Galende, Lilian Marchand, Clemence M. Bes,
Eric Paidjan, Markus Puschenreiter, Jose María Becerril, Michel Mench
Ecological Engineering 160 (2021) 106132

Abstract
Brownfield surface is expanding in Europe, but as often abandoned or underused, these areas become refuge for microbial, faunal and floral biodiversity. However, brownfield sites are generally contaminated, likely posing severe environmental risks. At a former wood preservation site contaminated with Cu, we evaluated the efficiency of compost and dolomitic limestone incorporation into the soil, followed by revegetation with Cu-tolerant grassy species, as a phytomanagement option to increase vegetation cover and plant diversity while reducing pollutant linkages. 7 years of phytomanagement enhanced natural revegetation through the improvement of soil physicochemical properties, particularly with compost-based amendments. The compost incorporation increased soil Cu solubility; however, no increment in Cu availability and a reduction in Cu-induced phytotoxicity were observed with the compost. The improved soil nutrient availability and the soil phytotoxicity mitigation in compost-amended soils facilitated over the 7 years the growth of beneficial plant colonists, including leguminous species, which can potentially promote essential soil functions. Soil treatments did not affect Cu uptake and translocation by plants and shoot Cu levels indicated no risk for the food chain. Overall, a long-term phytomanagement combining an initial amendment of compost and dolomitic limestone with the cultivation of Cu-tolerant grassy populations can ameliorate such Cu-contaminated soils, by mitigating risks induced by Cu excess, ultimately allowing the development of a meadow that can provide ecological and economic benefits in terms of ecosystem services.

January 11

PhytoSUDOE’s Layman report

Title
PhytoSUDOE project: Recovering polluted soils in southwestern Europe through phytomanagement

Date
2018