Phytoremediation effect of metal-mobilizing bacteria on growth promotion and nutrient uptake of Populus deltoides under controlled conditions.
Saved in:
| Title: | Phytoremediation effect of metal-mobilizing bacteria on growth promotion and nutrient uptake of Populus deltoides under controlled conditions. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Singla, Aayushi1 (AUTHOR), Sharma, Rajni1 (AUTHOR), Thakur, Sapna2 (AUTHOR) sapnathakur@pau.edu, Sharma, Sandeep3 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | International Journal of Phytoremediation. 2026, Vol. 28 Issue 5, p822-835. 14p. |
| Subjects: | Phytoremediation, Bacillus (Bacteria), Metal content of soils, Cottonwood, Plant inoculation, Bacteria, Nutrient uptake, Sewage sludge |
| Geographic Terms: | India |
| Abstract: | Plant-colonizing beneficial microbes are effective bio-tools for enhancing phytoremediation. Two-year pot experiment at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India, assessed the response of Populus deltoides under nursery conditions to sewage sludge treated soil with indigenous metal-mobilizing Bacillus species-B. thuringiensis (T1), B. cereus (T2), B. pumilus (T3), and their consortium (T4), with three inorganic fertilizer levels-RDF1-100%, RDF2-75%, and RDF3-50% [Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)]. Each inoculated treatment was compared to its respective uninoculated control (C). The application of T4 with RDF1 significantly increased shoot length and biomass by 13.8 and 32.9% than C, respectively. Bioconcentration factors (BCF) for Cd and Ni increased by over 50% than C demonstrating enhanced phytoremediation efficiency. Elemental accumulation was predominantly localized in roots, with the exception of Zn and Cd. Among most of the parameters, RDF1 × T4 was statistically comparable with RDF2 × T4. Irrespective of fertilizer dose, T4 maximally improved phytoremediation efficiency (BCF) by 0.61 (shoot) and 0.52 (root) compared to 0.20 and 0.16 in C, respectively, as well as soil chemical and biological properties up to 22.3%. These results highlight the potential of indigenous microbial inoculants to reduce soil heavy metals and enable sustainable, enhanced phytoremediation with 25% lower fertilizer input. NOVELTY STATEMENT: This study provides novel insights into the integrated effects of bacterial inoculants and varying fertilizer doses in enhancing the phytoremediation efficiency of Populus deltoides in sewage sludge-contaminated soils. While previous studies have evaluated microbial consortia for phytoremediation in forestry or agroforestry systems, the present work uniquely investigates these interactions under controlled nursery conditions, linking microbial activity with nutrient-use efficiency, stress physiology, and biomass production. By examining growth parameters, physiological and nutritional responses, as well as bioconcentration factors under controlled nursery conditions, the research highlights the pivotal role of Bacillus species with inorganic fertilizers in improving soil health, nutrient cycling, and phytoremediation potential. Furthermore, the reproducibility of these responses across graded fertilizer doses provides a scalable framework for integrating biofertilization into early-stage tree production. Moreover, this integrated approach not only enhances remediation efficiency but also promotes the production of high-quality saplings. This sustainable strategy contributes to effective sewage sludge management and soil restoration, advancing eco-friendly remediation practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of International Journal of Phytoremediation is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Engineering Source |
Be the first to leave a comment!
