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Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Mediated Phytoremediation: Harnessing a Sustainable Approach in Environmental Cleanup of Heavy Metals and Organic Pollutants.

Ghosh S, Sharma B

Summary

PubMed

Fungi that naturally live in plant roots can help restore damaged wastelands and clean up pollution from heavy metals and chemicals, offering a sustainable alternative to industrial remediation methods.

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Key Findings

1

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can restore wastelands where current biomass capacity is only 20% of potential, addressing major ecological gaps

2

AMF-plant symbiosis effectiveness depends on genetic compatibility between specific fungal and plant species, an understudied area limiting current applications

3

AMF functions as a dual-benefit bio-tool providing simultaneous ecological restoration and pollutant degradation in contaminated environments

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Original Abstract

Wastelands, often defined as unutilized lands or areas where the current biomass seldom exceeds 20% of its total potential, pose ecological and socio-economic challenges. Restoring wastelands can help bridge the gap between food availability and population growth. Previous studies have demonstrated that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can be a sustainable yet effective amelioration strategy for restoring wastelands. Yet, limited knowledge exists on the genetic foundation and role of nutrient availability in AMF-plant symbiosis. This review paper addresses the role of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in pollutant degradation while highlighting the importance of AMF specificity. Additionally, it addresses the genetic basis of the interaction and environmental influence in the symbiosis. By focusing on recent advances, the review underscores the prospective role of AMF as a bio-tool in ecological restoration and addresses critical knowledge gaps to guide future directions.

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