A review of hazardous elements tolerance in a metallophyte model species: Erica andevalensis

Abstract

As a result of mining activities large portions of land have been degraded. In this work, different tolerance/resistance mechanisms of Erica andevalensis Cabezudo y Rivera, which allow thriving and growing in soils from mine areas enriched with potentially toxic elements are reported. Different strategies were identified in E. andevalensis to tolerate high concentrations of metal(loid)s in soils through field and laboratory studies. The response of this species to high concentrations of hazardous elements varies according to the element. Experimental evidence for E. andevalensis adaptation to polluted soils/sediments and the role of other chemical elements (e.g. silicon) to enhance metal(loid)s tolerance is described. The species acts as an excluder for almost all elements and its tolerance to the harsh environments is due to complex mechanisms that include defense and avoidance.