Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a fast-growing, rhizomatous, perennial C3 grass. It is con-sidered a leading crop for biomass production on marginal and degraded soils with numerous unfavorable conditions such as high salinity, drought, water retention, high and low temperatures and high concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE). Tailings are a type of technosols con-sisting of the left-over materials from the processing of mined ores. They are characterized by a variety of unfavorable physical and chemical properties that limit or prevent the growth and de-velopment of plants. Tailings pose a potential threat to the environment as they are highly suscep-tible to wind and water erosion which can release significant amounts of PTEs into the environ-ment. The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of establishing and maintaining the giant reed on the Pb, Zn and Cu mine tailings to facilitate phytostabilization of its surface. The experimental plot was established in 2019. After planting, the plants were fertilized with NPK (15:15:15) at a dosage of 650 kg/ha. The crop was not irrigated. After three years the concentra-tions of the following elements: N, K, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn were determined in the substrate and in the plant material. The highest content of macronutrients was found in the leaves. The ma-jority of PTE, except Mn and Zn were contained within roots, preventing transport to the aerial parts and potentially negative effects on various physiological processes. The preliminary results showed that it is possible to establish a self-sustaining crop of giant reed in a substrate such as mine tailings and provided a basis for future detailed research.

In recent years, second-generation perennial energy grasses have gained attention for their potential role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the possible health risks associated with their large-scale cultivation remain insufficiently addressed. This paper presents a narrative literature review of the potential allergenic effects of the main perennial grass energy crops (Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Miscanthus × giganteus, Arundo donax), with Zea mays used as a reference first-generation energy crop. A structured search was conducted in major electronic databases using predefined keywords related to bioenergy crops, pollen dispersal, and allergenicity. The search identified a wide body of literature on crop biology and bioenergy potential, but only a limited number of studies addressed allergenic outcomes directly. The evidence suggests that, except for P. arundinacea, most second-generation grasses are late-flowering species. If cultivated on a larger scale near urban centers, these crops could alter the seasonal pattern of allergenic pollen exposure by shifting the allergic burden toward the late growing season (August-October). While the expected overall impact on the annual pollen load appears modest-potentially reducing the June peak typical for Europe while slightly increasing exposure later in the season-these changes warrant consideration in land-use and public health planning.

In recent years, the world's population has been dealing with the increasing challenges of global warming. For this reason, second-generation perennial grass energy crops are increasingly becoming the focus of research. It is expected that the utilisation of these plants can make a significant contribution to achieving the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable development and improving energy efficiency. In our review, we look at the potential of the most interesting second-generation perennial energy grasses in the south-eastern (Phalaris arundinacea L.; Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steude; Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu.; Arundo donax L.; Panicum virgatum L.). These plants are notable for high biomass production (average 6-25 t ha-1), low costs, and versatile utilization. In addition to combustion (average 14-18 MJ kg-1), biomass is also used for the production of bioenergy, biofuels, chemicals, biopolymers, biocomposites or as a building material. Perennial energy crops provide sustainable energy production with lower emissions of greenhouse gases than fossil fuels, as part of the CO2 released is returned to the atmosphere from which it was originally absorbed through photosynthesis. These plants are a promising option for biofuel production due to their simple agrotechnology and efficient use of water and nitrogen. Growth possibility on poor quality and degraded soils is also a positive aspect of these plants.