Bioremediation potential of VAM fungi in polluted soils and their effect on crop growth

Yavvari, Anusha Rani and Boodsu, Vijayalakshmi and Challa, Neeraja and Chintha, Vani and Sade, Ankanna and Aavala, Venu Gopal and Tartte, Vijaya and Mundla, Nagalakshmi Devamma (2025) Bioremediation potential of VAM fungi in polluted soils and their effect on crop growth. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 23 (1). pp. 510-518. ISSN 2582-5542

Industrial pollution has posed significant challenges to soil fertility and plant productivity. The application of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (VAM) has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance plant growth and mitigate the adverse effects of soil pollutants. This study evaluates the role of VAM in improving soil health and plant development, specifically in industrially contaminated soils. Tomato plants were used as model organisms and grown in soils collected from various industrial areas with known pollution profiles. VAM inoculum was supplemented to the soil, and parameters such as chlorophyll content, electrical conductivity (EC), and plant biomass were assessed. The results demonstrated that VAM significantly improved plant physiological performance, enhanced chlorophyll levels, and reduced the negative effects of pollutants on plant growth. This suggests that VAM has the potential to serve as a sustainable biofertilizer for remediating polluted soils and enhancing crop productivity.