Environmental remediation of acid mine drainage: an overview of potential phytoremediation with Phragmites australis.

Sulfides, a common class of minerals in the Earth's crust, are important base metal ores often associated with metal and coal deposits. When mining exploitations begin, they often generate large amounts of sulfide-rich waste stored in dedicated facilities. Thus, complex reactions with a strong biogeochemical component result in acid mine drainage, affecting ecosystems, leading to environmental degradation, and being hazardous to human health. Therefore, urgent measures are needed to mitigate these effects, which align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Thus, phytoremediation, mainly using the species Phragmites australis, shows promise due to its high remediation rates in extreme environments. As it is a species native to several regions of the world, it tends to promote an increase in biodiversity in highly ecologically affected systems. However, concrete studies on its application in treating acid mine drainage are limited. So, this work aims to compile information from multidisciplinary projects using phytoremediation approaches with P. australis to reduce acid mine drainage contamination and raise awareness among competent authorities about promoting Nature-based projects.

© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.