Mycorrhiza-Assisted Phytoremediation

Abstract

Soil contamination is a major environmental problem affecting human health worldwide. A sustainable solution for this contamination is phytoremediation, a technique that has gotten more and more attention over the past decade. In this chapter we will discuss how mycorrhizal fungi (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, ericoid mycorrhiza and ectomycorrhiza) can assist in phytoremediation. Our aim is to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of mycorrhiza-assisted phytoremediation, review examples from literature, and provide recommendations for future studies. Both inorganic and organic pollution and factors influencing the effect of mycorrhization will be addressed. Furthermore, molecular mechanisms associated with the beneficial effects of mycorrhizal inoculation will be discussed. Since there are a number of studies (34) reporting quantitative data on the effect of mycorrhizal fungi on organic soil pollution, a meta-analysis was performed to quantify the influence of mycorrhiza on the degradation of organics. Although the effects of mycorrhization are highly variable, it is clear that mycorrhiza have the potential to enhance the phytoremediation efficiency of organic as well as inorganic pollution. Mycorrhizaassisted phytoremediation is thus a valuable strategy for the remediation of contaminated areas and should be further studied.