Intercropping hyperaccumulators with peaches for sustainable management modes on Cd/As-contaminated orchards: a comprehensive perspective for environmental and economic merit evaluation

Abstract

This study investigates the accumulation characteristics and cost-benefit evaluation of the monoculture modes of Pteris vittata (MP) and Hylotelephium spectabile (MH), as well as their intercropping with peach (LP and LH) in arsenic (As)- or cadmium (Cd)-contaminated orchards. The intercropping modes exhibited remediation efficiencies comparable to those of their respective monocultures. Soil As/Cd concentrations were projected to fall below risk intervention values in the 21st, 22nd, 34th, and 30th years for MP, LP, MH, and LH, respectively. The gross ecosystem product (GEP) of the intercropping modes significantly exceeded that of the corresponding monoculture, with peach profits contributing 85.8%–97.0%. The net present values (NPV) were achieved in 7 and 2 years for LP and LH, respectively. Furthermore, the economic viability of intercropping was primarily influenced by the economic benefits of peach and accumulator cultivation costs. These findings suggest that intercropping with peach provides economic benefits over monoculture in the management of As- or Cd-contaminated orchards. However, further optimization of seedling cost, disposal technologies, and mechanization of accumulator cultivation is required to enhance the feasibility.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Heavy metal-contaminated soils / Intercropping phytoremediation / Pteris vittata / Hylotelephium spectabile / Cost-benefit analysis / Gross ecosystem product

Highlight

	● Intercropping showed comparable As/Cd removal efficiency to monoculture accumulators.
	● Intercropping significantly increased GEP mainly by the benefit of peach production.
	● Intercropping greatly shortens the time required to achieve break-even point.
	● Accumulator costs and peach benefits are the main factors affecting NPV.

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