Fate and chemical speciation of antimony (Sb) during uptake and translocation by Dittrichia viscosa

Abandoned mining districts worldwide are plagued by extensive dispersion of metals and metalloids, including Pb, Zn, Cd, As, and Sb. This widespread contamination necessitates a comprehensive understanding of pollutant translocation processes in plants growing in and around these contaminated sites. This project represents an essential part of our research aimed at elucidating the antimony (Sb) speciation in the soil-plant system of Dittrichia Viscosa, a promising candidate for phytoremediation projects. This proposal aims to investigate the distribution and chemical speciation of Sb in D. Viscosa using XAFS to provide element-specific information on the local atomic structure and oxidation state of Sb, allowing for a detailed analysis of its chemical environment within plant tissues. This understanding is crucial to assess the effectiveness of phytoremediation techniques over a long duration time and to plan effective interventions.