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Fungal-bacterial biofilm mediated heavy metal rhizo-remediation

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Abstract

Heavy metal pollution due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers (CF) causes major damage to the environment. Microbial biofilms, closely associated with the rhizosphere can remediate heavy metal-contaminated soil by reducing plant toxicity. Thus, this study was undertaken to examine the remedial effects of microbial biofilms against contaminated heavy metals. Fungi and bacteria isolated from soil were screened for their tolerance against Cd2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+. Three bacterial and two fungal isolates were selected upon the tolerance index (TI) percentage. Fungal-bacterial biofilms (FBBs) were developed with the most tolerant isolates and were further screened for their bioremediation capabilities against heavy metals. The best biofilm was evaluated for its rhizoremediation capability with different CF combinations using a pot experiment conducted under greenhouse conditions with potatoes. Significantly (P < 0.05), the highest metal removal percentage was observed in Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis biofilm under in situ conditions. When compared to the 100% recommended CF, the biofilm with 50% of the recommended CF (50CB) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced soil available Pb2+ by 77%, Cd2+ by 78% and Zn2+ by 62%. In comparison to initial soil, it was 73%, 76%, and 57% lower of Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+, respectively. In addition, 50CB treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the metal penetration into the tuber tissues in comparison with 100 C. Thus, the function of the developed FBB with T. harzianum–B. subtilis can be used as a potential solution to remediate soil polluted with Pb2+ Cd2+ and Zn2+ metal contaminants.

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  1. Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Uva Wellassa University, Passara Road, Badulla, Sri Lanka

    A. P. Henagamage & C. M. Peries

  2. National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Hantana Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka

    G. Seneviratne

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  1. A. P. Henagamage
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Henagamage, A.P., Peries, C.M. & Seneviratne, G. Fungal-bacterial biofilm mediated heavy metal rhizo-remediation. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 38, 85 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-022-03267-8

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