Root hypoxia aggravates the effects of saline tailings water on the growth and physiology of woody plants

Oil sands mining in the boreal forest produces large volumes of liquid tailings. Forestry research has generally focused on thickness and composition soil layers to be placed top tailings during reclamation. However, release water, which may seep into root zone affect plants. Furthermore, interactions combined effects hypoxia substrate chemistry plant responses are poorly understood. The aqueous phase novel (Non-Segregating Tailings—NST) were studied under well-aerated hypoxic conditions three relatively waterlogging tolerant tree species [tamarack (Larix laricina), black spruce (Picea mariana), balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera)] sensitive [lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), jack banksiana), aspen tremuloides)] by growing them hydroponic solutions a controlled environment. Root further reduced survival, growth, physiology plants exposed NST. Our results confirm that NST water same deleterious as previously reported amalgamated oil inhibited salt sequestration trembling have an osmoregulative mechanism needles. highlight potential impact seepage from buried reclamation success. can aggravate these inhibiting stress mechanisms. We suggest preparation sites impacted should involve efforts enhance aeration minimize detrimental