Selection of a halophytic plant for assessing the phytotoxicity of dredged seaport sediment stored on land

Abstract

The filling of dry quarries in coastal areas with sediments dredged in seaports represents a potentially interesting method of recycling of these materials. However, this recycling requires the prior carrying out of an Environmental Risk Assessment of the scenario concerned. For this, the question arose as to the type of plants capable of developing on the surface of such a deposit and the method to implement for assessing the possible phytotoxicity of dredged sediments. To answer this question, we chose to work with halophytic plants to be free from the salt-related effect and to assess only the effect related to the toxic compounds present. Based on the objectives set, these works led to the use of common plants of the French coast, with direct seeding, and with pollution-sensitive plants. Three species of angiosperms, Armeria maritima, Anthemis maritima and Plantago coronopus, were finally tested. As a result of this work, Armeria maritima was retained as the most suitable plant for testing the possible phytotoxic effect of dredged marine sediments stored on land. The results obtained with this plant are as follows: germination of 40 % of the seeds in 31 days, produced biomass of 493 mg FW in 6 months and a capacity to bioaccumulate metal pollutants in roots with 350 and 720 mg/kg DW for Zn and Cu, respectively.

Comparison of In Vitro and In Planta Heavy Metal Tolerance and Accumulation Potential of Different Armeria maritima Accessions from a Dry Coastal Meadow

“…The gradient of metal accumulation in different parts of A. maritima has been demonstrated previously for plants from different ecological groups. In particular, when grown in a heavy metal-polluted sediment, A. maritima from coastal rocky cliffs preferentially accumulated Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn in its roots, with concentrations in aerial parts being almost 10 times lower [58]. In addition, A. maritima ssp.…”

Relation between soil salinity and species composition of halophytic plant communities: A baseline data inventory for wetland monitoring

“…In this context, Suaeda maritima, a hygrohalophytic species, is stated to be a bioindicator for metal contamination. Bedell et al (2014) stated that Plantago coronopus is a halophytic species suitable for the extraction of toxic material of dredged marine sediments thanks to its capacity to bioaccumulate metal pollutants (Cu and Zn) in its roots and aerial parts.…”