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Accelerated microbiome reconstruction and soil-like formation in graphite tailings by composite microbial agent CMA
Yanli An1, Xilin Li2, Ling Liu2
1College of Civil Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin, 12300, China.
Environmental Research
|July 20, 2026
Summary
This study developed a composite microbial inoculant (CMA) to transform graphite tailings into functional soil. CMA application significantly improved soil properties, plant growth, and microbial community structure for ecological restoration.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Soil Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Limited arable land necessitates converting waste into soil resources.
- Graphite tailings pose environmental challenges due to poor physicochemical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional microbial inoculant (CMA) for improving graphite tailings.
- To assess CMA's impact on tailings' physicochemical properties, plant growth, and microbial community.
Main Methods:
- Combined Bacillus velezensis, Variovorax boronicumulans, and Xanthobacter autotrophicus to create CMA.
- Applied CMA to graphite tailings and analyzed changes in soil properties, ryegrass growth, and microbial community structure using SEM, PCoA, and UPGMA.
Main Results:
- CMA application significantly increased available phosphorus (9.1-fold), ammonium nitrogen (3.5-fold), available potassium (3.0-fold), and organic matter (1.97-fold).
- Ryegrass growth improved, with increased chlorophyll a and b content.
- Enhanced particle aggregation, improved structural stability, and shifted microbial community towards dominant functional groups.
Conclusions:
- CMA effectively improves graphite tailings' properties and microbial structure.
- Promotes pedogenesis for soil formation and ecological restoration.
- Provides functional microbial resources for tailings remediation.
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