Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Assisted Phytoextraction of Toxic Metals by Zea mays L. From Tannery Sludge

In present study, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were used for growth promotion of Zea mays L. in heavy metal rich tannery sludge (HMRTS). In order to identify suitable AMF species, a pot experiment was conducted using Rhizophagus fasciculatus, Rhizophagus intraradices, Funneliformis mosseae and Glomus aggregatum for cultivation of Zea mays L. under HMRTS. The plant growth and phytoremediation potential were significantly influenced by AMF treatments. The shoot weight and root length of F. mosseae treated Z. mays plants were significantly increased by 113 and 49%, respectively as compared to control. Likewise, maximum level of proline accumulation, chlorophyll content of leaves and, phosphorous content of shoot and root were recorded 55, 43, 57, and 64%, respectively in F. mosseae treatment. Interestingly, F. mosseae act as a bio-filter in the roots and modulate direct translocation of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb) and micronutrients from soil to shoot (Bioaccumulation factor) as well roots to shoots (Translocation factor) of plant. In HMRTS, AMF inoculation were also found to significantly improve the soil enzymes activity like dehydrogenase, beta-Glucosidase, acid and alkaline phosphatase. The finding of this study suggests that AMF-assisted cultivation of Zea mays is a promising approach for the phytoremediation of HMRTS.