LAUSR

Plant-microbial bioremediation is an efficient way to treat heavy metal contaminated soils. In order to reveal the potential mechanisms of ectomycorrhizal fungi mutualistic symbiosis for remediating heavy metal contaminated soils, the masson’s pine associated with ectomycorrhizal fungi (Suillus luteus) and control treatments (plant roots without ectomycorrhizal fungi) were planted in a Pb and Zn contaminated mining area in the south of China. The results showed that the growth of masson’s pine seedlings were significantly higher in the treated group than in the control group. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of heavy metals inoculated with Suillus luteus was 1 to 5 times higher than that of those in control group. However, the translocation factor (TF) of heavy metals in treated group decreased by 50% compare to the control group. Both selenium and potassium content significantly improved the functions of oxidation and stress resistance in symbiotic systems. The activity of the urease and alkaline phosphatase in the soil was significantly improved in treated group. The soil available N, P and K contents, and the ratio of C/N was increased compared to the control. In conclusion, the ectomycorrhizal fungi could improve soil physicochemical properties, and enhance nutrient absorption by the plants, which would be favorable to the growth of plants in the soil contaminated with heavy metals.