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Abscisic acid-catabolizing bacteria: A useful tool for enhancing phytoremediation.
Yu Wang1, Zhiheng Li1, Jiajun Wu2
1College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
The Science of the Total Environment
|November 7, 2021
Summary
Rhizobacteria that break down abscisic acid (ABA) significantly boost heavy metal (HM) phytoextraction in plants. This approach enhances plant biomass and HM uptake, offering a novel strategy for soil remediation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Plant Science
- Bioremediation
Background:
- Phytoextraction using bacteria is a recognized method for remediating heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soils.
- The role of rhizobacteria in catabolizing abscisic acid (ABA) to facilitate HM phytoextraction in hyperaccumulating plants requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if ABA-catabolizing rhizobacteria can enhance HM phytoextraction in various hyperaccumulating plants.
- To assess the impact of ABA-catabolizing bacteria on plant biomass and HM accumulation in contaminated soils.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of hyperaccumulating plants (Vetiveria zizanioides, Brassica juncea, Lolium perenne L., Solanum nigrum L., Sedum alfredii Hance) with Rhodococcus qingshengii, an ABA-catabolizing bacterium.
- Cultivation of plants in soils with varying levels of heavy metal contamination (Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu).
- Quantification of HM concentrations in plant shoots and measurement of fresh biomass.
- Analysis of bioconcentration and translocation factors.
- Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to correlate bacterial effects with ABA metabolism and HM concentrations.
Main Results:
- Inoculation with R. qingshengii significantly increased shoot HM concentrations (Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu) in all tested hyperaccumulators compared to non-inoculated controls.
- Fresh biomass of hyperaccumulators increased by 16.5%-94.4% after bacterial inoculation.
- Phytoextraction potential indices, including bioconcentration and translocation factors, were markedly improved.
- PCA indicated a significant correlation between bacterial effects on Cd and Zn concentrations and ABA metabolism.
Conclusions:
- ABA-catabolizing bacteria, such as Rhodococcus qingshengii, can effectively enhance heavy metal phytoextraction in hyperaccumulating plants.
- The application of ABA-catabolizing bacteria improves both plant biomass and the uptake of heavy metals, suggesting a promising alternative strategy for soil remediation.
- Bacterial effects on Cd and Zn phytoextraction are linked to ABA metabolism, while Pb and Cu phytoextraction is enhanced through synergistic effects on plant biomass.
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