This project explores the viability of Australian native plants for use in the field of phytomanagement, in particular, the management of heavy metal contaminated soil left behind after coal mining. Using a combination of in-situ field work and manipulative glasshouse experiments, he aims to identify Australian native trees/grasses with the ability to accumulate or tolerate soils with high levels of heavy metal contamination.
The overarching goal of this project is to develop a practical, cost effective, and environmentally sustainable solution to a large scale global problem.
Lead researcher: Kieran Young (BSc) – PhD Candidate – 2017 to 2020