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Effective treatment of plant biomass with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is crucial for phytoremediation. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) offers an economical and eco-friendly solution by converting biomass into high-value hydrochar. However, the effects of reaction temperature and medium on the characteristics and metals distribution in hydrochars from PTEs-containing biomass remain unclear. This study explores the effects of different hydrothermal temperature (180–240 °C) and reaction media (H2O, HCl, H2SO4, H3PO4) on the hydrothermal properties of willow biomass containing PTEs, and the distribution and transfer rules of PTEs (Cd and Zn) and the application potential of hydrochar. The results indicated that hydrothermal temperature and acid medium significantly influenced WB conversion, affecting hydrochar properties such as carbonization degree and surface functional groups. Higher hydrothermal temperatures enhanced Cd and Zn fixation in the solid phase, while acid facilitated their migration to the liquid phase. More than 91.08 % of Cd and 88.41 % of Zn in the acid-added system are migrated into the liquid phase at hydrothermal temperature of 180 °C Hydrochar prepared under 180 °C and H3PO4 exhibited excellent adsorption performance for Cd2+ and Cu2+ (2.17 mg/g and 34.38 mg/g, respectively) in aqueous solution. Additionally, hydrochars exhibit high calorific values (20.52–28.01 MJ/kg), suggesting their potential as biofuel. This study provides technical foundation to support the resource processing and safe utilization of forest biomass containing PTEs.

Understanding how plant functional traits respond to mining activities and impact metal(loid)s accumulation in dominant species is crucial for exploring the driving mechanisms behind plant community succession and predicting the ecological restoration potential of these plants. In this study, we investigated four dominant herbaceous species (Artemisia argyi, Miscanthus sinensis, Ficus tikoua, and Ageratina adenophora) growing on antimony (Sb) mining sites (MS) with high Sb and arsenic (As) levels, as well as non‐mining sites (NMS). The aim was to analyze the variations in functional traits and their contribution to Sb and As concentrations in plants. Our results indicate that mining activities enhanced soil nitrogen (N) limitation and phosphorus (P) enrichment, while significantly reducing the plant height of three species, except for F. tikoua. The four species absorbed more calcium (Ca) to ensure higher tolerance to Sb and As levels, which is related to the activation of Ca signaling pathways and defense mechanisms. Furthermore, plant Sb and As concentrations were dependent on soil metal(loid) levels and plant element stoichiometry. Overall, these findings highlight the regulatory role of plant element traits in metal(loid) concentrations, warranting widespread attention and further study in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to provide a guide for plant selection of ecological restoration at antimony (Sb) mining ecological damaged sites, species composition, importance value, niche, and interspecific associations of tree, shrub, and herb layers were examined at Sb mining site in Nandan City, Guangxi, China. The results showed that 23 vascular plant species were recorded at the Sb mining ecological damaged site, belonging to 22 genera and 13 families, primarily Gramineae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, and Asteraceae. The highest importance values for trees, shrubs, and herbs were observed in Rhus chinensis (56.7%), Coriaria nepalensis (56.3%), and Eremochloa ciliaris (44.0%), which were characterized by fairly large niche widths of 1.58, 1.32 and 1.57, respectively. The highest niche overlap values were found between R. chinensis and Triadica sebifera in the tree layer, and between Thysanolaena latifolia in the herb layer, with the value of 0.68 and 0.99, respectively. Shrub layer exhibited a lower range of niche overlap (0.30-0.42), suggesting significant niche differentiation among different species. In the tree and shrub layers, most species showed insignificantly negative associations, the proportion was 83.3% and 66.7%, respectively, indicating that the plant community was not stable. Herb layer generally exhibited significantly positive correlations, with 52.4% of species pairs showing positive correlation, indicating weak resource competition among species. Overall, plant community at Sb mining ecological damaged site was unstable. In the process of ecological restoration, trees and shrubs that can adapt to the conditions and have positive associations should be prioritized in species selection, such as R. chinensis, C. lanceolata, C. nepalensis, and B. nivea. This will promote vegetation positive succession, rehabilitate the ecosystem and ensure sustainable development at Sb mining ecological damaged sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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