Potentially toxic element accumulation in two Equisetum species spontaneously grown in the flotation tailings

Decades of mining activity have resulted in the accumulation significant amounts tailings that are deposited over natural vegetation, forming deposits tens meters thick. The poor organic matter and macronutrients contain a high concentration potentially toxic elements (PTE). Their surface remains unvegetated for long periods time is susceptible to fluvial wind erosion. Equisetum arvense E. telmateia appear be first colonizers Pb-Cu-Zn mine Serbia. Each plant was sampled along with its associated substrate. Pseudototal available metals substrate, as well total As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb Zn concentrations parts were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. findings show both species bioaccumulation capacity tolerance otherwise due efficient accumulation, immobilization, detoxification these their underground parts. It expected long-term presence metal-tolerant horsetail would increase content flotation residues, thus gradually improving physical, chemical, biological properties. This, turn, promote succession other soil microorganisms.