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Isolation and Characterization of Arsenic-Tolerable Bacteria from Groundwater and Their Implementation on Rice
Ashutosh Kabiraj1, Urmi Halder1, Rajib Bandopadhyay2
1Department of Botany, The University of Burdwan, Golapbag, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, 713104, India.
Current Microbiology
|October 24, 2024
Summary
Seven Bacillus species isolated from arsenic-contaminated groundwater exhibit resistance to heavy metals and antibiotics. These plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) detoxify arsenic and enhance rice growth, suggesting their potential as bio-fertilizers in contaminated fields.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Plant Pathology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Arsenic contamination in soil negatively impacts plant metabolism and crop yield.
- Arsenic-resistant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can mitigate arsenic's detrimental effects by producing plant hormones.
- Arsenic stress poses a significant threat to global food security, necessitating innovative solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize arsenic-resistant Bacillus species from arsenic-contaminated groundwater.
- To evaluate the plant growth-promoting and arsenic-detoxifying capabilities of these bacterial isolates.
- To assess the potential of these Bacillus species as bio-fertilizers for crops grown in arsenic-contaminated soils.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacterial species from arsenic-contaminated groundwater in West Bengal, India.
- Determination of tolerance levels to arsenate (AsV) and arsenite (AsIII) salts and various heavy metals.
- Assessment of antibiotic susceptibility profiles.
- Evaluation of plant growth-promoting traits such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA).
- Testing the efficacy of isolates in enhancing rice seedling growth under arsenic stress.
Main Results:
- Seven Bacillus species were isolated, demonstrating high resistance to arsenate (>3.12 g/L) and arsenite (>0.65 g/L).
- Isolates exhibited resistance to multiple heavy metals (Cu2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Pb2+) but were susceptible to certain antibiotics.
- All species showed arsenite detoxification capabilities and produced plant growth-promoting substances (IAA, GA, proline).
- Most Bacillus isolates significantly enhanced rice seedling root and shoot lengths under arsenic stress.
Conclusions:
- The isolated Bacillus species possess significant arsenic resistance and plant growth-promoting attributes.
- These bacteria can detoxify arsenite and support plant growth under arsenic stress conditions.
- Bacillus spp. show promise as effective bio-fertilizers for agricultural applications in arsenic-contaminated environments.
