File(s) under permanent embargo
Colonisation of the rehabilitated Mary Kathleen uranium mine site (Australia) by Calotropis procera: toxicity risk to grazing animals
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 09:41 authored by Bernd LottermoserSince the last human interference three decades ago, the shrub Calotropis procera has colonised the rehabilitated Mary Kathleen uranium mine site, northwest Queensland, Australia. The aims of this study were to evaluate the chemical composition of the plant's biomass for its dietary risk to grazing animals. Biogeochemical analyses demonstrate that C. procera acquires higher Ce, La, Ni and especially higher U values in its leaves, stems and flowers when growing on mine wastes and contaminated soils. A comparison of the concentrations of elements in the plant's biomass with maximum allowable dietary levels in the feed of cattle revealed that C. procera acquires natural enrichments of Ca, K, Mg and S in its tissue on background and mine soils, potentially causing harmful effects on stock and wildlife feeding on it. This study demonstrates that large-scale invasion of rehabilitated mine sites by opportunistic, pioneering metallophytes like C. procera may pose a dietary risk to grazing animals.
History
Publication title
Journal of Geochemical ExplorationVolume
111Issue
1-2Pagination
39-46ISSN
0375-6742Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Elsevier Science BvPlace of publication
PO Box 211, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1000 AeRights statement
Copyright 2011 Elsevier B.V.Repository Status
- Restricted