Mycorrhizal associations of native plants growing in heavy metal contaminated sites of central Argentina

MENOYO E; SALAZAR, M. JULIETA; BECERRA, ALEJANDRA G.

Simposio; III International Symposium on mycorrhizal symbiosis in South America; 2023

Diverse ecosystems are affected by soil pollution which represents serious environmental problems. The restoration of these areas is a priority, especially in sites where human health is compromised. Mycorrhizal associations can be determinant for the development and survival of the plant community in environments contaminated with heavy metals (HM). Therefore, its study is essential in bioremediation practices. The objective of this work was to examine the roots of the most abundant plant species present in HM contaminated sites. The study area is located in Bouwer, Córdoba, where there was a battery recycling plant that contaminated the surrounding sites with lead (Pb). Seven sites with different Pb soil content were selected: site I: 16µg.g-1; site II: 395µg.g-1, site III: 477µg.g-1, site IV: 284µg.g-1; site V: 2974µg.g-1; site VI: 12796µg.g-1; site VII: 42214µg.g-1. In each site, 5 individuals of the most abundant plant were collected; mycorrhizal associations were determined and quantified under the microscope. All plants belonging to different family (Asteraceae, Poaceae, Solanaceae) and functional type (annual herbaceous, grass and shrub) were colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytes (DSE) fungi. In the AMF and DSE colonization, the proportion and relation between both symbionts varied between the host plants and the study sites. In general, the colonization value was higher in the most contaminated sites. Likely, the close relationship AMF/DSE/plant allows them to subsist in environments contaminated with Pb. These associations should receive special attention for future soil pollution remediation practices