PubMed · 2026-05-16
Scientists boosted the ability of Indian mustard plants to soak up toxic heavy metals from contaminated soil by applying two naturally produced bacterial compounds in sequence — first one that frees metals from soil particles, then one that makes them easier for roots to absorb. Lead uptake in shoots increased by 272% and zinc by 89%, while the plants remained healthier than expected.
Zinc availability in contaminated soil increased by up to 618% and lead by up to 321% when both bacterial compounds were applied together.
Lead concentration in plant shoots rose by 272% and zinc by 89% compared to untreated plants; root concentrations of nickel and zinc each doubled.
In clean (uncontaminated) soil, plants treated with both compounds showed reduced oxidative stress and better-preserved chloroplast structure, indicating a biostimulant effect beyond just metal mobilization.
