• Ecotoxicological
• Plant Bacterial interactions 

Soil and aquatic pollution arising from mining-generated wasteland are the direct major impacts of mining in the mining regions of Zambia. The MPR program, therefore, aims to discover, develop and deploy new, more effective, and efficient phytoremediation approaches for the restoration of these wastelands, which is critical to contributing towards providing sustainable environmental management in the mining regions of not only Zambia but many other mining regions in Africa.    

Phytoremediation is an ecologically responsible alternative to other remediation methods in the restoration toolbox. However, the current pool of species proven suitable for phytoremediation are few and specific to particular metal types (copper and cobalt) yet most of the wastelands are composed of many other metals that are by-products of mineral processing. Further screening of candidate species should be undertaken to generate information on suitable species for other heavy metals. Breeding programs for selecting highly productive clones under prevailing growth conditions of the abandoned mine sites should be initiated.

The MPR major’s objectives are:

• Developing protocols for phytoremediation of mining degraded generated lands in Zambia. The potential for phytoremediation on Zambia’s contaminated land will be assessed by utilizing the woody and herbaceous vegetation established on contaminated sites. The other sub-component will determine strategies for phytoremediation outcomes by better understanding symbiotic rhizosphere (plant-bacterial) interactions.
• To advance feasible and effective ways of engagement with policymakers, the private sector, and citizens.