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Genomics to assist mine reclamation: a review
Author(s) -
Garris Heath W.,
Baldwin Susan A.,
Van Hamme Jonathan D.,
Gardner Wendy C.,
Fraser Lauchlan H.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
restoration ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1526-100X
pISSN - 1061-2971
DOI - 10.1111/rec.12322
Subject(s) - land reclamation , genomics , ecosystem services , ecosystem , environmental dna , environmental resource management , environmental planning , business , environmental science , biodiversity , ecology , biology , genome , gene , genetics
Mine reclamation succeeds when healthy, self‐sustaining ecosystems develop on previously mined lands. Regulations require reclamation of ecosystem services; however, there are few specified targets, and those that are presented are vague. Sequencing genomic DNA and transcribed RNA from environmental samples may provide critical supportive information for attempts to recreate ecosystem functions from the ground up on disturbed lands. In this review, we highlight the use of genomics to meet mine closure goals, to enhance ecosystem development, and to optimize ecosystem services inherent in self‐sustaining reclaimed ecosystems. We address the development of environmental genomics—sequencing and analysis of environmentally derived DNA —to characterize microbial communities on mine sites. We then provide four areas where genomics has proven instrumental for informing management and assisting in reclamation of mine sites in the form of bioreactors, passive treatment systems, novel gene discovery, and DNA barcoding. Finally, we describe how recently developed techniques have transferable value to mine reclamation and provide evidence for future applications of genomics and the necessary steps to integrate these data into comprehensive management of mined sites.