Accumulation of elements in vegetation spontaneously developing on self-heating waste dumps in the Upper Silesia area (Poland)

Accumulation of 34 trace and major elements was analysed in 9 plant species ( Tussilago farfara , Arctium tomentosum Solidago canadensis Populus L., Eupatorium cannabinum Verbascum sp., Solanum nigrum Rumex crispus Betula pendula ) one fungus Schizophyllum commune collected from coal, PbZn-smelting, mixed-type waste heaps Upper Silesia (Poland). The most persistent extreme enrichment found the burnt bark Bytom. Enrichment factors relation to geometric mean elevated (PE) hyperaccumulator (PH) contents show values for toxic vegetation, such as Zn (EF PE up 13, EF PH 17), Pb 4, 161), Tl 8), Cd max 327), Hg 3), Ag (maximum 14). Elevated are also V PN 13), Sc 14), Ni Se 16), Fe 48), Co 23), Sb 31), Bi 34). Although levels studied were usually below potentially levels, they often above normal ones. Furthermore, significant differences between different tissues observed, reflected translocation factor (TF). sp. S. accumulate mostly their above-ground tissues, may thus be considered useful phytoextraction Zn, other elements. Sl. E. display opposite strategy, with element immobilization roots. Extreme peaking its roots, suggest it a potential phytostabilizer.