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A Method to Preserve Wetland Roots and Rhizospheres for Elemental Imaging
Published on: February 15, 2021
Harnessing a Functional Rhizobial Partnership with Astragalus sinicus L. to Unlock Phytoremediation Potential for
Hailin Xia1,2, Juan Du3, Yuman Kong1
1College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China.
Abstract:
Phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils is often limited by phytotoxicity and metal availability. This study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of Astragalus sinicus L. and its symbiotic rhizobia. A nationwide soil survey revealed significantly lower arsenic (As) in planted versus unplanted soils, and key factors governing metal retention were attenuated in planted soils, indicating plant-mediated interference. Pot experiments confirmed that A. sinicus L. cultivation significantly reduced soil cadmium (Cd) (33.33%), lead (Pb, 39.73%), copper (Cu, 12.92%), and As (23.70%). Among rhizobial isolates, Mesorhizobium sp. XS6-2 exhibited the highest heavy metal tolerance. Inoculation with XS6-2 increased plant biomass and specifically enhanced chromium (Cr) and Pb remediation. Microbiome analysis showed that XS6-2 reshaped the rhizosphere community and strengthened microbial interactions. Our findings demonstrate a potent plant-microbe synergy that alleviates phytotoxicity and increases metal availability, offering an effective strategy to advance phytoremediation.
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