Ailanthus Altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Bioacumulated Specie of Contaminated Soils
Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) is one of the most widespread invasive alien species on a global scale. Its current distribution is clearly linked to anthropized environments, where concentrations of heavy metals or trace elements in their soils can reach levels of toxicity to other plant organisms. The present research carried out in environments of the Community of Madrid (Spain) focuses on the relationship between the presence in soil components such as arsenic (As), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), boron (B), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), etc., harmful to some plant organisms, and the existence of Ailanthus altissima. The results obtained identify that the species modifies the content of some minority elements, a fact that must be taken into account for future soil fertility studies. Secondly, ailanto is capable of absorbing toxic elements present in the soil environment, which shows its value as a phytoremediator of contaminated soils.
