BIOACCUMULATION OF CHROMIUM FROM MINE TAILINGS TO A DESERT PLANT, DESERT BROOM (BACCHARIS SAROTHROIDES)

摘要

Utilization of the Earth's natural resources is fundamental to the survival and prosperity of any organism or society; however, removal of natural resources from one environment to another impacts both environments to some extent. Mine tailings from mining activities is one of the best examples for such a scenario. Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is one of the major pollutants that is associated with mine tailings1. Cr exhibits different physiologic and toxicologic effects depending on its oxidation state. Cr metal is generally inert and nontoxic and, because Cr(VI) is more soluble than Cr(III), it is also more bioavailable for living organisms.