Abstract:
Objective This study conducted an experimental investigation on the remediation of abandoned iron tailings through the application of various microbial agents and substrate modifications to improve soil conditions. In recent years, with the extensive development of mineral resources, the discharge of tailings has been increasing annually. However, tailings are characterized by low utilization rates, poor degradability, and high hazardous potential. The accumulation of tailings residues poses significant threats to human health and environmental sanitation.
Methods In response, a novel tailings utilization model has been proposed, which involves the soilification of tailings and the enhancement of urban solid waste remediation technology using microorganisms to improve properties such as pH, porosity, enzyme activity, and moisture content of tailings, thereby achieving the dual treatment of tailings and solid waste.
Results The results indicate that the application of urban solid waste and microbial agents significantly improved the remediation of iron tailings, with a reduction in soil pH, a decrease in organic matter content, an increase in nutrient levels, and enhanced enzyme activity, leading to notable improvements in the physicochemical properties of the tailings. The height, biomass, and coverage of planted vegetation also showed significant increases, particularly in the experimental groups treated with potassium−solubilizing and nitrogen−fixing bacteria, where plant coverage increased by 64%, biomass increased by 2.2 times, and the available components in the tailings were substantially enhanced.
Conclusions Therefore, the addition of urban solid waste is effective for the remediation of iron tailings, and functional microorganisms can significantly enhance the remediation effects, with nitrogen−fixing and potassium−solubilizing bacteria providing better reinforcement of urban solid waste, achieving cost−effective ecological restoration of iron tailings.
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