Application of rhizobia-legume symbiosis for remediation of heavy-metal contaminated soils

Abstract:

Abstract: Heavy-metal pollution in soil is a major threat to human health and the entire ecosystem. Legumes and their associated rhizobial microorganisms are important for the biogeochemical cycles in agriculture and natural ecosystems. Legume-rhizobia symbiosis is very important in restoration of heavy-metal contaminated soils because the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen by legume-rhizobium symbiosis can increase the accumulation of nitrogen and organic matter. We reviewed the importance of remediation of heavy-metal contamination in soil and the current situation of remediation techniques, analysed the advantages and disadvantages of each remedial techniques. We address especially the superiority, recent advances and potential application of the legume-rhizobium symbiosis in remediation of heavy-metal contaminated soils.