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Phyto- and Microbial-Based Remediation of Rare-Earth-Element-Polluted Soil

Summary

Rare-earth elements from mining and industry accumulate in soil, posing environmental and health risks. This review explores how plants and beneficial microorganisms can work together to clean up contaminated soil by absorbing or immobilizing these elements. The combined approach of using specific plant species alongside soil microorganisms is more effective than using either method alone, offering a natural and cost-effective solution for soil remediation.

Background

Rare-earth elements (REEs) are extensively utilized in industrial, aerospace, and defense applications, and have been increasingly introduced into ecosystems through mining, fertilizer applications, and manufacturing processes. REE contamination in soil has become a significant environmental concern, with concentrations in mining-affected soils substantially exceeding national background values and posing risks to human health through chronic exposure.

Objective

This review synthesizes current knowledge on phyto- and microbial-based remediation approaches for REE-contaminated soil, examining the roles of plants, microorganisms, and plant-microbe interactions in removing or immobilizing rare-earth elements and evaluating combined remediation technologies.

Results

Plants including Dicranopteris linearis, Phytolacca americana, and various ferns demonstrate significant REE accumulation capability. Microorganisms including Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Trichoderma species show selective REE biosorption. Combined plant-microbe systems enhance REE removal efficiency up to 70% through complementary biochemical pathways and rhizospheric interactions.

Conclusion

Plant-microorganism combined remediation technology demonstrates superior efficiency over mono-remediation approaches through synergistic rhizosphere-microbe-pollutant interactions. Future research should focus on developing REE hyperaccumulator screening criteria, genetically engineered bacteria systems, standardized protocols, and multi-site field validation trials.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40572168, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13061282
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