Bacterial inoculation in helianthus tuberosus for improving phytoremediation of metal-polluted soils

Abstract

Mining processes and metallurgical industries as well as the use of fungicides and inorganic fertilizers have increased the levels of metal(loid)s in soils. Metals represent a worldwide problem because of their elevated bioaccumulation capacity via food chains, toxicity and persistence in the environment. In addition, their presence in the soil generates a risk of contamination of surface and ground waters. Conventional soil remediation technologies are highly expensive, invasive and may lead to additional environmental problems such as soil degradation. On the other hand, phytotechnologies are sustainable soil remediation techniques that use green plants, microorganisms and amendments to reduce the concentration and bioavailability of contaminants, and also, contribute to a sustainable use of marginal areas. One of the most critical limitations of using phytotechnologies on metal-contaminated soils is the long time required to clean-up the soil and reach the permitted levels. The use of high biomass crops able to extract metals from soil could compensate the long time required in this technology with the production of valuable biomass. ...