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Synergistic effect of Lead-Resistant Bacteria and Lysinibacillus fusiformis US3 biostimulant in ecorestoration of lead-stressed soil
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1  Department of Microbiology, Edo State University Uzairue, 312002, Nigeria
Academic Editor: Mariateresa Cardarelli

Abstract:

Lead pollution poses a formidable threat to agriculture, bioaccumulating in crops and ultimately harming human health. Even low-level exposure can significantly reduce crop yields, diminish their nutritional value, and precipitate economic losses and food insecurity. To combat this threat, we investigated the efficacy of a novel biostimulant, Lysinibacillus fusiformis US3, which was previously isolated from the rhizosphere of a plant with enhanced plant growth attributes to promote ecorestoration of a lead-remediated soil. Four lead-resistant bacterial (LRB) strains, Bacillus infantis K66, Halopseudomonas xiamenensis B13, Lysinibacillus fusiformis KAF67, and Pseudomonas spp. A27, harbouring the gene cluster PbrABCT were employed in the treatment of lead-contaminated soil. The treatment efficacy was remarkable, with final lead removal percentages of 85%, 82%, 83%, and 83%, respectively, while the control achieved a 41% removal rate. To achieve ecorestoration and facilitate the agricultural reuse of soil, maize seeds from the Agricultural Development Program, Nigeria, were planted in the treated soil, and 10% w/v of the US3 biostimulant was introduced as liquid culture into the pots except in the control pot. The inoculum concentration was determined according to the McFarland standard and plant growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, and fresh and dry root weight, which were monitored for 28 days under greenhouse conditions. The post-cultivation analysis revealed enhanced plant growth and biomass yield in US3-inoculated pots; a 48% lead uptake by the maize in control pots, while lead was not detected in the inoculated pots; and 53% residual lead in the control soil, while lead was not detected in the inoculated soil. The synergistic application of lead-resistant bacteria and the US3 biostimulant effectively ecorestored lead-stressed soil, demonstrating a promising approach for sustainable lead mitigation. This study highlights the potential of microbial solutions for environmental remediation and agricultural sustainability.

Keywords: Ecorestoration, Biostimulation, Lead, food security, plant growth, sustainability

 
 
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