Spontaneous growth of plants enhances phytoextraction on abandoned coal mine wastes in Central Alborz coalfield, Iran.

Coal mining disperses heavy metals into the environment, necessitating the identification of metal-tolerant plants for ecosystem restoration. This study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of plant species in abandoned coal wastes in northern Iran. Pollution indices indicated moderate contamination of Cu, Ni, V, Zn, Pb, Cr, and As in coal wastes. The plants varied in their ability to accumulate and translocate these metals, with most showing efficient root-to-shoot translocation. (41.06 mg.kg) and (42.48 mg.kg) were effective for Cu phytoextraction. Most species, notably (3.4 mg.kg), showed promise for phytoextraction of Cr. (7.67 mg.kg) exhibited potential for Pb phytoextraction. Most plants, particularly and , were effective phytoextractors of Ni. accumulated V beyond phytotoxic levels. and were identified as phytoextractors of Zn while and , accumulating >100 mg.kg Zn in roots, showed potential for phytostabilization. and , acted as excluders for As. and were excluders for Cu, Cr, Ni, and Pb. This study provided the role of multiple indigenous plants, including perennials and annuals with diverse life forms, in metal extraction and stabilization for sustainable coal waste management.