Bioremediation potential of rhizosphere microbes—current perspectives

Soil contamination is a major issue for environmentalists, agricultural workers, and scientists worldwide. Soil contamination causes damage to the microbiome and ecology of the affected area. Rhizoremediation emerges as a great alternative to conventional remediation methods due to its high efficiency. The plant with its associated root microbiota helps improve the soil quality. Root-associated bacteria take up the pollutants, and heavy metals and help in rhizoremediation. The symbiotic association of root and bacteria helps in the biodegradation of toxic compounds such as PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates), polyethylene terephthalate, PCA (polycyclic aromatic compounds), heavy metals, petroleums, etc. Siderophores, phytohormones, and hydrogen cyanide produced by rhizobacteria help in the chelation of heavy metals, breakdown of toxic compounds, and lysis of harmful pathogens. Rhizoremediation improves soil organic matter, (SOM), the bioavailability of nutrients, and nutrient cycling, and hence along with bioremedial activity also improves the fertility of the soil. The knowledge, application, and research for the advancements in bioremediation using green alternatives such as phytoremediation and zero-ing down to rhizobioremediation provide great advancement in the field of environmental sciences.