Metal Bioaccumulation and Translocation Factors in Equisetum ramosissimum at Zaaiplaats Mine, South Africa

The current study focused on those plants that grow within the Zaaiplaats Tin Mine tailings. No previous studies have been conducted on these plants to establish their nature and toxic metal absorption capacity. Tin mines are generally associated with metals as copper, which, when in certain amounts, become toxic and may pollute the environment and have negative impacts on human health and the environment at large. A total of 9 plant samples, scientifically known as Equisetum ramosissimum, were collected during the dry and wet seasons. The samples were prepared and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The results reveal that Cr and Cu were absorbed and accumulated by the plants during the dry season, while Co was not absorbed and not accumulated. The plant translocates Cr and Pb effectively in the dry season and Co and Cu in the wet season. During the dry season, the Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) trended in the following order: Cr > Cu > Pb > Co and trended in the following order in the wet season: Co > Cu > Pb > Cr. The trend in the Translocation Factor (TF) during the dry season was Cr > Pb > Cu > Co, and Co > Cu > Pb > Cr during the wet season. The study presents a significant contribution of Equisetum ramosissimum capacity to bioaccumulate these Cu and Cr metals, with higher metal concentrations in dry seasons. Its root retention ability makes it effective for stabilizing contaminated soils, suggesting potential for seasonal phytoremediation strategies.