Chemical- and microbial-enhanced phytoremediation of cadmium-contaminated calcareous soil by maize

Abstract

Phytoremediation is an appropriate technology used to remove pollutants from environment components. A greenhouse trial was conducted to test the hypothesis that application of surfactant levels and inoculation with Pseudomonas fluorescens bacterium and/or Piriformospora indica fungus enhances the phytoremediation of cadmium (Cd). Maize seeds were sown in Cd-polluted soil, and after 2 months Cd status in plant tissues and Cd phytoremediation criteria was determined. Results showed that application of surfactant increased root and shoot dry weight. Mean Cd uptake in roots and shoots increased following the application of 2 and 4 mmol kg−1 Tween 80, respectively. Application of 2 mmol kg−1 Tween 80 increased mean Cd uptake efficiency, while application of 4 mmol kg−1 Tween 80 increased phytoextraction and translocation efficiencies. Inoculation with P. indica and P. fluorescens was mostly effective in increasing Cd uptake and Cd phytoextraction efficiency, respectively. Co-inoculation with P. indica and P. fluorescens had no superiority to application of each inoculant alone. Since most of the Cd remained in roots, phytostabilization is probably the main mechanism controlling Cd phytoremediation by maize. According to the results, application of Tween 80 and inoculation with P. indica and P. fluorescens effectively enhanced phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil by maize.