Phytomining potential, micro-morphological assessment, and air pollution tolerance index of plant species in multi-metals contaminated soapstone and crushing stone mines.

The extraction of soapstones or crushing stones often results in extensive environmental contamination. This study investigates and assesses the multi-metals and the micro-morphological characteristics (microscopic study of leaf stomata and epidermal cells) of plant species adjacent to soapstone and crushing stone mines. The study focused on monitoring plant species naturally found in the surrounding of soapstone and crushing stone mines. The natural bioaccumulation of metals of toxicological concerns in naturally grown plant species and their potential to detoxify or stabilize contaminated soils through phytoremediation mechanisms were assessed. These plant species are subjected to rigorous screening to evaluate their tolerance to soil contaminants and capacity for phytomining. The multi-metals phytoremediation potentials (BAF, BCF, and TF) of plant species were investigated. The leaf anatomy (stomatal index, number of epidermal cells, and stomata) and the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) were also assessed to gauge the growth and effectiveness of each species in remediating soil pollution. Preliminary findings reveal distinct alterations in plant leaf anatomy near mining sites, characterized by increasing numbers of stomata at the adaxial sides of leaves. The highest APTI is recorded higher in Dodonaea viscosa, and Justacia adhatoda at the Soapstone Mines with Daphne mucronata, Indigofera hetarantha, Dodonaea viscosa and Darbegeasia salicofolia at the Crushing Stone Mines are calculated. These alterations indicate the profound impact of mining activities on soil quality, plants, and ecosystem health. Different native plant species have been found and considered for phytoremediation to remove or stabilize multi-metals, including Dodonaea viscosa (Fe, Zn), Parthenium hysterophous (Fe), Calotropis procera (Ni), Justacia adhatoda (Fe). By identifying plant species capable of thriving in mining-affected environments and effectively remediating soil contamination, this study offers valuable insights for developing sustainable land management practices.