Phytoremediation and the Soil Microbiome

Phytoremediation is a low cost, non-invasive green treatment option that uses plants to reduce the toxicity and quantity of environmental contaminants. The soil microbiome plays an important role in the success of a phytoremediation project. For example, microorganisms in the rhizosphere can stimulate root and plant growth, increase the plants’ tolerance to pollutants, and enhance nutrient uptake and soil health. To further stimulate the synergistic relationship between plants and microorganisms, growth-supporting nutrients or bioaugmentation cultures of microorganisms or symbiont fungi can be added to the soil. Plants can even be inoculated with endophytes, bacteria or fungi that live inside plants, to improve plant growth, contaminant uptake, and degradation efficiency. Microbial Insights offers analyses that can detect and quantify beneficial microorganisms and fungi to support phytoremediation projects.

Molecular Biological Tools for Phytoremediation

QuantArray® Multi-Target qPCR

CENSUS® (qPCR) ER

Next Generation Sequencing

Whole Genome Sequencing

MBTs to Assess Phytoremediation

CENSUS^® qPCR and QuantArray^® analyses are used to quantify microorganisms involved in nutrient cycling and contaminant degradation and document their distribution across the site’s existing soil types. This microbial data can be used to evaluate the success of biostimulation or bioaugmentation efforts.

Additionally, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) can identify the bacterial, archaeal, and fungal consortia present and report their relative proportions. These analyses can provide insight into the microbial relationships and processes occurring in the soil, including their potential to promote the growth and health of plants.

Frequently asked questions

What type of sample should I submit for microbial analysis?

Microbial testing can be performed on a variety of samples types, including soil or sediment from the rhizosphere or capillary fringe, groundwater, or solid plant matter. More information on sample collection can be found here.

What are potential benefits of a phytoremediation approach?

In addition to addressing contamination, phytoremediation can have positive impacts on air quality, carbon sequestration, ecosystem restoration, and community health.

Resources for Phytoremediation Testing

Optimizing Phytoremediation Webinar

Closing the Nitrogen Cycle with MBTs

Teaming with Technology: Nature-Based Solutions

EASY STEPS TO SUPPORT MONITORED NATURAL ATTENUATION

1) Call us at 865.573.8188 or email at [email protected]
2) A friendly member of our team will advise you on the right tools for the job
3) Order and receive your supplies
4) Perform sampling according to our clear and easy protocols
5) Fill out the chain of custody form
6) Send to the nearest Microbial Insights location
7) Receive your unbiased report with actionable data and insight

Corrective Action Plans

Have a different corrective action plan you are considering? Click the button information for other plan types and how Microbial Insights can help your project.

QUESTIONS?

READY TO ORDER?

Order Sampling Supplies