Remediation of copper in vineyards – A mini review

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) Vol. 167; pp. 16 - 26
• Main Authors: Mackie, K.A., Müller, T., Kandeler, E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Agriculture - methods; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Applied sciences; Biodiversity; Biological and medical sciences; Conservation of Natural Resources; Copper; Copper - analysis; Copper - metabolism; Decontamination. Miscellaneous; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Ecosystem; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Environmental Restoration and Remediation - methods; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Fungicides, Industrial - analysis; Fungicides, Industrial - metabolism; Microorganisms; Phytoextraction; Pollution; Pollution, environment geology; Remediation; Soil - chemistry; Soil and sediments pollution; Soil and water pollution; Soil Pollutants - analysis; Soil Pollutants - metabolism; Soil science; Vineyard; Wine; Microorganisms; Remediation; Vineyard; Copper; Phytoextraction; Microbial activity; Agricultural chemical product; Pesticides; Review; Soil pollution; Fungicide; Heavy metal; Phytoremediation; Chemical pollution; Trace element; Rhizosphere; Decontamination; Chelating agent; Bioremediation; Organic compounds
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2012.03.023

Viticulturists use copper fungicide to combat Downy Mildew. Copper, a non-degradable heavy metal, can accumulate in soil or leach into water sources. Its accumulation in topsoil has impacted micro and macro organisms, spurring scientists to research in situ copper removal methods. Recent publications suggest that microorganism assisted phytoextraction, using plants and bacteria to actively extract copper, is most promising. As vineyards represent moderately polluted sites this technique has great potential. Active plant extraction and chelate assisted remediation extract too little copper or risk leaching, respectively. However, despite interesting pot experiment results using microorganism assisted phytoextraction, it remains a challenge to find plants that primarily accumulate copper in their shoots, a necessity in vineyards where whole plant removal would be time consuming and financially cumbersome. Vineyard remediation requires a holistic approach including sustainable soil management, proper plant selection, increasing biodiversity and microorganisms. ► We describe copper distribution and availability in vineyards. ► We explain the environmental impact of copper on organisms, plants and processes. ► We detail possible remediation methods within vineyards. ► Microbially assisted phytoremediation is the most promising remediation method. ► A solution requires an interdisciplinary approach between plants, soil and vines. This review is significant because it highlights prospective remediation methods usable in copper contaminated vineyards.