Phytoremediation of arsenic contaminated mined soils: Combination of fern species and arbuscular mycorrizhal fungi

摘要

Industrial, agricultural and commercial activities have led to significant Arsenic (As) contamination of soils and waterways. Phytoremediation is one of several techniques employed to remediate As contaminated soils. This study aimed to enhance As phytoremediation from contaminated mined soils by combining As hyperaccumulators (fern species) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). Arsenic contaminated soils were inoculated with AMF strains before planting with two indigenous fern species. Plant biomass and consequently As uptake were higher in Pteris vittata than in Pittyrogramma calomelanos. Inoculation of active AMF into soils significantly increased plant growth and As uptake. In particular, plant accumulated As increased by 100 to 124% in AMF inoculated plants/pots.