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Native Fungi as a Nature-Based Solution to Mitigate Toxic Metal(loid) Accumulation in Rice

Summary

Rice farmers dealing with contaminated soils now have a natural solution: specially selected fungi can be added to the soil to help reduce toxic metal accumulation in rice plants. In a greenhouse study, native fungi reduced arsenic uptake by up to 75% when combined with specific water management practices. This approach offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional remediation methods while promoting sustainable agriculture in metal-contaminated areas.

Background

Heavy metal contamination in paddy fields poses serious risks to food safety and crop productivity. Rice consumption accounts for approximately 50% of the global population’s staple diet, making metal contamination a critical concern. Native soil fungi possess plant growth-promoting properties and metal-resistant systems that may reduce metal bioavailability to plants.

Objective

This study evaluated the potential of native soil fungi as bioinoculants to reduce metal uptake in rice cultivated under contaminated conditions. Eight fungal strains were selected based on plant growth-promoting traits including siderophore production and phosphate solubilization. The study assessed effects under two water management regimes in soil enriched with arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and copper.

Results

Inoculation with indigenous fungi under AWD conditions significantly reduced arsenic accumulation in rice shoots by up to 75%. Cadmium accumulation was promoted by AWD conditions, with fungal inoculation showing only moderate reductions of 15-25% in some varieties. Chromium and copper showed limited response to fungal inoculation, with effects primarily driven by water regime changes affecting soil redox potential.

Conclusion

Native fungi demonstrate significant potential as a nature-based solution for mitigating arsenic accumulation in rice, particularly under alternate wetting and drying management. The efficacy appears to be driven by fungal activity in the rhizosphere, potentially through metal absorption, pH modification, or induced physiological changes in host plants. This approach supports both environmental remediation and sustainable agriculture in contaminated paddy field systems.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40732176, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13071667
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