Journal article
Heavy metals remediation: Plant-microbe synergies, detoxification mechanisms, nutrient interactions, and biotechnological innovations-A review
Pedosphere
2026
Abstract
Heavy metal (HM) contamination of agricultural soils threatens global food security and human health. This review synthesizes recent advances in plant-microbe synergies for HM remediation, focusing on mechanistic detoxification pathways, nutrient interactions, and biotechnological innovations. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance plant biomass by 20%–98% and reduce HM accumulation by up to 62% through biofertilization, phytostimulation, and rhizoremediation. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi act as structural filters, reducing metal translocation to shoots (e.g., Pb by up to 58% in soybean). Microbial consortia outperform single strains, increasing Cd phytoextraction efficiency by 30%–90% in hyperaccumulators such as Sedum alfredii. Molecularly, overexpression of phytochelatin synthase and metallothionein improves Cd and Cu tolerance 1.5- to 3-fold via enhanced reactive oxygen species scavenging and metal sequestration. Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) is a key determinant of metal bioavailability, and microbial exopolysaccharides can modify local CEC. Emerging approaches include synthetic consortia with quorum-sensing control, microbiome engineering, and CRISPR-assisted functional validation. Nutrient management (NPK and micronutrients) further strengthens plant antioxidant defenses and restricts HM uptake. Field-scale success remains limited by soil heterogeneity, environmental fluctuations, and microbial establishment; therefore, long-term validation, predictive consortium design, and zero-waste biomass valorization are critical future directions. Integrating plant physiology, microbial biotechnology, and soil science positions microbe-assisted phytoremediation as a sustainable, circular-economy solution for HM-polluted lands.
Details
- Title
- Heavy metals remediation: Plant-microbe synergies, detoxification mechanisms, nutrient interactions, and biotechnological innovations-A review
- Authors/Creators
- Mohamed T. EL-SAADONY - Zagazig UniversityAhmed M. Saad - Zagazig UniversityDina Mostafa Mohammed - National Research CentreSamar Sami Alkafaas - Tanta UniversityTaia A. ABD EL-MAGEED - Fayoum UniversityAbdel-Rahman M. Merwad - Zagazig UniversityAhmed A. EL-MANSI - King Khalid UniversityDina Khodeer - Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic UniversityMohammad A.A. AL-NAJJAR - Applied Science Private UniversityAtef Fathy Ahmed - Taif UniversityMohamed A. Fahmy - United Arab Emirates UniversityKhaled A. EL-TARABILY - Zagazig UniversitySynan F. Abuqamar - Zagazig University
- Publication Details
- Pedosphere
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Identifiers
- 991005913521807891
- Copyright
- © Soil Science Society of China
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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