Combining tolerant species and microorganisms for phytoremediation in aluminium-contaminated areas

The effect of Al3+ concentrations on fungal growth and microorganisms/plant tolerance association in Al3+ contaminated substrate were assessed. Six Trichoderma isolates and three mycorrhizal fungi were tested under in vitro culture with the addition of Al. Some microorganisms were selected for inoculation of Al-contaminated substrate for Schinus molle growth. There was great variation in the fungal isolates’ growth, although, in general, Trichoderma isolates showed significant tolerance to Al3+, except for the T13 isolate that was very sensitive. The growth of the Pt116 was significantly affected by Al concentrations above 75 mg L−1. The addition of 200 mg L−1 Al in the substrate did not significantly affect the growth of S. molle seedlings. Owing to S. molle tolerance, the protective effect of the microorganisms may have been underestimated. The paper highlights the importance of studying specifically both plants and microorganisms for the implementation of bio and phytoremediation programmes.Abbreviation: AIA: indoleacetic acid; Al3+: Aluminiu; Cu: copper; MNM: Melin Norkrans; Pb: plumbum; PDA: potato dextrose agar; TCF: total chlorophyll content; S. molle: Schinus molle; Zn: zinc