Phytostabilization of Metal Mine Tailings Using Tall Fescue

Abstract

Mined areas near the city of Galena, Kansas, provide a source of heavy metal contamination, particularly cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). The metals move off-site in response to erosion by wind and running water, spreading the contamination beyond its original extent. Phytostabilization of the mine tailings could limit the spread of these heavy metals. The purpose of this study was to attempt field-scale inoculation of tall fescue (