Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effects of Trichoderma reesei FS10-C on the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil by the hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola and on soil fertility. The Cd tolerance of T. reesei FS10-C was characterized and then a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the growth and Cd uptake of S. plumbizincicola with the addition of inoculation agents in the presence and absence of T. reesei FS10-C. The results indicated that FS10-C possessed high Cd resistance (up to 300 mg L-1). All inoculation agents investigated enhanced plant shoot biomass by 6–53% of fresh weight and 16–61% of dry weight and Cd uptake by the shoots by 10–53% compared with the control. All inoculation agents also played critical roles in increasing soil microbial biomass and microbial activities (such as biomass C, dehydrogenase activity and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis activity). Two inoculation agents accompanied by FS10-C were also superior to the inoculation agents, indicating that T. reesei FS10-C was effective in enhancing both Cd phytoremediation by S. plumbizincicola and soil fertility. Furthermore, solid fermentation powder of FS10-C showed the greatest capacity to enhance plant growth, Cd uptake, nutrient release, microbial biomass and activities, as indicated by its superior ability to promote colonization by Trichoderma. The solid fermentation powder of FS10-C might serve as a suitable inoculation agent for T. reesei FS10-C to enhance both the phytoremediation efficiency of Cd-contaminated soil and soil fertility.
Highlights
Soil contamination by heavy metals (HMs) such as cadmium released from agricultural and industrial activities is an environmental problem worldwide
The results suggested that there was no significant influence on FS10-C growth in the 10 mg L−1 Cd treatment compared with the control, a small irregular fold emerged on the surface of FS10-C mycelia in the 100 mg L−1 Cd treatment
Our results demonstrated that the soil microbial community might be protected and even enhanced by phytoremediation using S. plumbizincicola with all tested inoculation agents, the solid fermentation powder of T. reesei FS10-C
Summary
Soil contamination by heavy metals (HMs) such as cadmium released from agricultural and industrial activities is an environmental problem worldwide. A number of methods have been developed for the remediation of metal-contaminated soils and phytoremediation is considered to be a promising technique. In recent years plant-associated bacteria and fungi have been examined for their capacity to enhance the efficiency of phytoremediation (Rajkumar et al, 2012). Numerous filamentous fungi such as Trichoderma sp. Have aroused increasing interest due to their potential for enhancing the establishment of vegetation and the remediation of metalcontaminated soils (Bareen et al, 2012). Certain Trichoderma species have been reported to enhance plant growth and metal availability to plants in contaminated soils. Little is known about the effects of T. reesei on the phytoremediation of HM contaminated soils
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
