Changes in growth responses in rice plants grown in the arsenic affected area: implication of As resistant microbes in mineral content and translocation

Abstract

Arsenic (As) is widely distributed naturally as well as an anthropogenic occurring toxic metalloid. Its unique interaction with the ecosystem has led to a broad study into its physico-chemical properties and lethal behavior in the environment. This study deals with the mineral nutrient profile in the Oryza sativa (rice grains) with various doses of As and bacterial strains. Results revealed that rice supplemented with As resistant bacteria BBAU/MMM1 (Bacillus litoralis) and BBAU/LP3 (Bacillus infantis) exhibited enhanced growth characteristics by 32.0% and > 23.7% respectively with respect to control. Arsenite [As(III)] treated rice supplemented with different bacterial strains represents a significant positive response in the order of 10–17%. Further, the mineral nutrient content in As(III) (100 µM) treated rice grain was decreased by Fe (34.23%), Zn (32.22%), Mn (17.3%), Cu (25.34%), Co (29.77%) and Se (50.62%), respectively. However, bacterial inoculated rice plant exhibited Fe (7.34%), Zn (65.02%), Mn (14.54%), Cu (22.04%), Co (46.37%), and Se (203.47%), increased mineral content in the case of B. litoralis in comparison to rice treated with As(III). Results emphasize that bacterial strain, B. litoralis could reduce the toxic impact of rice induced by As and enhance mineral nutrient content in rice.