Immobilization effects of co-pyrolyzed neem seed mixed with poultry manure on potentially toxic elements in soil and the phytoremediation potentials of native Manihot esculenta and Jatropha curcas in ensuring sustainable land use.

This study evaluated the effects of neem seed biochar, poultry manure, and their combinations at varying rates of 15 and 25% (w/w) on potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils. Afterward, the suitability of Manihot esculenta and Jatropha curcas in removing Cd, As, Zn, Pb, and Hg from mine spoils were appraised in a 270-day outdoor pot experiment. Using ICP-Mass Spectrometry, the elemental contents of target PTE in the shoot, root, and soil specimens were determined for each treatment.

Mining methods exert differential effects on species recruitment at artisanal small-scale mining sites in Ghana.

Artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) is one of the essential rural non-agricultural livelihood activities in Ghana. However, basic and rudimentary practices and tools associated with ASM activities lead to vegetation and soil destruction. Given the limitation of state-sponsored reclamation of abandoned ASM sites, the role of natural recovery in abandoned mine sites is deemed a viable option, as it lowers financial obligations, promotes pioneer species and improves local ecology.