Phytobial remediation by bacteria and fungi

Abstract

Heavy metals, metaloids and persistent organic contaminants are released in the environment from industry, agriculture, urban zone, waste deposits and accidental spills presenting a serious threat for the ecosystems and health of human beings. Integrated phytobial remediation by bacteria and fungi has become a great challenge for successful removal of contaminants from polluted sites that is, combined plant/bacteria/fungi cross-talk offers effective tools to assist phytoremediation. Plant growth-promoting bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi obtain food for their metabolism whereas they promote plant growth, decrease metal(loid)s toxicity and degrade persistent organic compounds. This chapter focuses on joint action of plant/bacteria and fungi in removal of metal(loid)s, radionuclides, and chlorinated compounds, such as trichlorethylene, chlorinated pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Therefore, opportunities in exploitation of plant – bacteria-fungi interactions should be tailored in a framework platform and sustainable phytomanagement of polluted sites in the future around the globe.