Abstract

The cultivation of Miscanthus sinensis x giganteus on a polluted soil near Copsa Mica – Romania has started in 2008. Since then

every March and August the roots and stems have been analyzed, showing a very low amount of heavy metals in the aerial parts

in February, when the harvesting takes place. The combustion properties of the material are similar to those of lignite, but

without sulphur and with low ash amount. Because cultivation of edible plants poses the risk of heavy metal entering into the

food chain, and soil remediation is unlikely, the cultivation of this plant and its subsequent usage as biofuel could become a

feasible solution for the sustainable use of the soils polluted with Cd and Pb.