Ecophysiological and ecotoxicological evaluation of the combined used of biochar and native tree species autóctonas for restoring mining wastes in the Cartagena-La Unión Mining District (19248/PI/14)

The project will provide scientific and technical solutions fo rrestoring mining wastes in the Sierra of Cartagena-La Unión. This semiarid area is epsecially sensistive to climate change. The project will include the evaluation of the ecotoxicological risks associated to metal(loid)s. The main goal of the project was to evaluate the effect of the biochar and/or organic municipal waste on the behaviour of native tree species.

The project contains a experimental part in the lab and in situ samplings.

Field part

Goal 1: Evaluate if the presence of tree species improves soil fertility and may facilititate plant successional processes.

Experimental part (mesocosms)

Goal 2 : Evaluate the effects of biochar to improve soil edpahic paramenters, including decreasing of metal(loid) availability.

Goal 3: Evaluate the change in soil parameters after addiing biochar on ecotoxicity employing seeds and invertebrates.

Goal 4: Evaluate the effects of biochar to improve the establishment of antive plant species in mine tailings.