ROLE OF MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN PHYTOREMEDIATION AND TOXICITY MONITORING OF HEAVY METAL RICH INDUSTRIAL WASTES IN SOUTHERN POLAND

Abstract

The chapter summarizes research carried out within the last 15 years onthe role of mycorrhizal fungi in phytoremediation of zinc wastes locatedin southern Poland. The impact of various technologies on tailingmaterial toxicity was described and physico-chemical features of thewastes were characterized. Symbiotic fungi are an important component ofsoil microbiota. As shown in a range of studies, properly developedmutual symbiosis enhances the survival of plants in polluted areas byfor instance improving nutrient acquisition and water relations, thussupporting the success of bioremediation. In addition, mycorrhizal fungiwere found to play an important role in heavy metal detoxification andthe establishment of vegetation in strongly polluted areas. Fungalstrains isolated from old zinc wastes also decrease heavy metal uptakeby plants growing on metal rich substrata, limiting the risk ofincreasing the levels of these elements in the food chain. Theeffectiveness of the bioremediation techniques depends on theappropriate selection of both the plant and the fungal partners. Theexperiments pointed out that plants conventionally introduced in suchplaces disappear relatively soon, while those appearing during naturalsuccession are better adapted to harsh conditions. Symbiotic partnersselected on the basis of such research are often the best choice forfuture phytoremediation technologies. Moreover, mycorrhizas of differenttypes are also helpful in tailing material toxicity monitoring.