Phytoremediation of Red Mud Deposits Through Natural Succession

Abstract

Abstract Red mud (RM) residue and the toxicity thereof have become a serious threat worldwide as it contaminates the environment. The identification of potential plant species for the remediation of RM deposits may help to abate contamination toward achieving environmental conservation. Biodiversity assessment of naturally growing plant species on RM deposits provides a scenario of species adaptation and succession. Potential plant species can be identified on the basis of their phytosociological characteristics, including importance value index (IVI), frequency, and dominance. Species of economic importance may be selected for this developing niche. In this chapter, RM problems and its phytoremediation with potential plant species toward a quality environment around RM deposits are discussed. Species differ in their ability to remediate metal toxicity by accumulating different magnitudes of toxic metals in their biomass. Sonchus asper, Sesbania punicea, Launaea asplenifolia, Saccharum bengalense, and Populus tremuloides were identified as potential plant species for use on RM deposits for remediation. Among these, S. bengalense is an ecologically and socioeconomically important tall grass that supports the colonization and development of other species during ecological succession on RM deposits.