As the popularity of Miscanthus Giganteus increases, and it is promoted as the obvious choice for bio-fuel, the area needed to grow it becomes an important consideration. Land-use becomes an important criteria to ascertain sustainability of Miscanthus Giganteus.
Contaminated Land
There are 2.5 million potentially contaminated sites across Europe, of which approximately 14% (340,000 sites) have already been confirmed as being contaminated. Of these, only 14% have been remediated.
60% of soil contamination is caused by mineral oil and heavy metals. Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), nickel (Ni), silver (Ag), and zinc (Zn) are the metal contaminants.
Phytoremediation
Conventional remediation involves excavating the contaminated soil and disposing of it as hazardous wastes. In contrast, phytoremediation is relatively cheap, ecologically friendly and energy passive, and is effective for areas with small and medium concentration of contaminants.
How Effective is Miscanthus?
Miscanthus Giganteus has been proven to be one of the best crops for phytoremediation. It has been tested successfully to stabilise soil near closed coal, lead, zinc and cadmium mines; and clean up land used for municipal treatment, ship building yards, iron and steel works, and oil refinery.
It has even been used to rehabilitate land in Chernobyl after the nuclear catastrophe in Ukraine.
Physiology
Miscanthus Giganteus is tolerant to contamination. It doesn't suffer from stress caused by high concentrations of metal. One of the features that makes it particularly suited for phytoremediation is the fact that there is low transfer of pollutants to its aerial parts.
Increases Soil Micro-flora and Micro-fauna
Within three years, there was increase in the populations of beneficial bacteria and fungi between 1.5 to 3 times. These bacteria and fungi species are involved in symbiosis, recycling various nutrients and organic matter mineralisation.
Maintains Productivity
Yields ranging from 7.3 tonnes/acre/year or even 10.41 tonnes/acre/year after three years have been reported, which are impressive even if lower than the usual 13 tonnes/acre/year when cultivated in ideal conditions.