Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated to lead accumulator grass

Abstract

Microorganism–plant associations allow the establishment in harsh environments, including heavy metal contaminated areas. The studies with native organisms are very important in environmental remediation because they were adapted to local conditions, forming specific relationships that allowed to survive. The aim of this work was to study arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated to the rhizosphere of Jarava plumosa (Spreng.) S.W.L. Jacobs & J. Everett, native lead accumulator grass. The study area is located in Bouwer, Córdoba, where the battery recycling factory is situated. The rhizosphere soil from J. plumosa was collected at six sites with different lead soil content (Pb: 14-2938 μg/g). The AMF spores were extracted through the decantation, wet sieving, and centrifuged in sucrose gradient. The spore density was determined under a stereomicroscope as the number of spores/100 g of dry soil. Also, the relationship between AMF density and Pb concentration in plant tissue was analyzed. The presence of AMF was determined in all study sites, density varied from 130 to 1524 spores/100 g soil, differed according to lead soil content. Jarava plumosa accumulated Pb in stem and root; this accumulation was greater at the site with high Pb. Bioremediations reduce the toxic effect of environmental pollutants through the use of plants and microorganisms. The application of this methodology is possible due to ability of some organisms to survive in contaminated soils. In environments highly contaminated with Pb, AMFgrass associations could allow the development of this plant community. Finally, highlight the importance of studies and applications of native species in restoration practices as determinant factor in local biodiversity reclamation