Microbial-Based Remedial Mechanism for Chromium-Contaminated Soil

Chromium (Cr) is a prevailing heavy metal pollutant present in industrial wastewaters. While preserving soil health and ensuring crop productivity are pivotal aspects of sustainable agriculture, using contaminated water on agricultural land will definitely affect the health of the soil and the productivity of a crop. This paper proposes a microbial-based remedial mechanism for (Cr) contaminated soil. The primary aim is to reduce the concentration of (Cr) contaminated soil using specific microbes (Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Aspergillus, and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi) and carrier materials (Biochar and Zeolite). The area contaminated with Chromium is identified specifically in the tannery soil. Pot cultures were conducted to assess the effectiveness of five different plant species (Radish (Raphanus Sativus), Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba), Palak (Spinacia Oleracea), Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata), Red Spinach (Amaranthus Dubius)) in reducing Chromium levels. After that, seventeen different treatments were applied, consisting of various combinations of microbes (Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Aspergillus, and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi) and carrier materials (Biochar and Zeolite). Among the five plant species, the growth and performance of the radish, cluster bean, and palak were high under the treatments of (Treatment 12, 9, 7). In treatment 12, the combination of the Bacillus, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, and Biochar is used to reduce the Chromium level in contaminated soil. The effectiveness of the treatment in reducing Chromium contamination was evaluated by focusing on Treatment 12 and using radish, cluster bean, and palak plant species. Treatment 12, as well as the control contaminated soil, underwent thorough characterization of Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). To ascertain the materials' elemental makeup, the EDAX analysis was performed. XRD analyses were performed to assess variations in intensity. The characterization, EDAX, and XRD provided valuable insights into the changes in the contaminated soil composition and the success of Treatment 12 in mitigating Chromium levels.