Microbe-EDTA mediated approach in the phytoremediation of lead-contaminated soils using maize ( L.) plants.

In the current study, we investigated the potential of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) assisted phytoremediation potential of L. to remediate lead (Pb)-contaminated soils. The exhibited various stress tolerance mechanisms via plant growth promoting (PGP) traits, intrinsic extracellular enzyme production and antibiotic resistance. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to examine the dual effects of plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria (PGPEB)-chelator synergy in maize plants under different Pb contaminated soil regimes. -EDTA (5 mM EDTA kg) complex significantly ( < 0.05) enhanced plant growth and biomass (48.91%); chlorophyll , and carotenoid contents (27.26%, 25.02% and 42.09%); relative water content (61.33%); proline content (63.60%); root and shoot Pb accumulation capacity (52.31% and 44.71%) in Pb contaminated soils. This may suggest the efficacy of current approach in enhancing plant tolerance capability toward Pb-uptake and phytoremediation capacity. Moreover, maize plants showed differential response to Pb availability in soil-1 (S1; Pb spiked soil, 500 mg kg) and soil-2 (S2; aged-contaminated soil) under various treatments. We describe the intriguing role of -EDTA-maize system for Pb decontamination which can be used as a base line to explore the proposed combinatorial approach for long-term trails under field conditions for reclamation of Pb-contaminated soils.HighlightsThe PGPEB-EDTA mediated potential of against Pb spiked and industrial contaminated soils is noticed.Increased tolerance of against Pb in association with , and EDTA is reported first time.Enhanced accumulation of metals by is reported under combined treatment of , and EDTA.Inoculation of plants with , and EDTA has positive effects on growth and accumulation of Pb by .