Healthy Response from Chromium Survived Pteridophytic Plant-Ampelopteris prolifera with the Interaction of Mycorrhizal Fungus-Glomus deserticola

Abstract

Interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus deserticola and pteridophytic member Ampelopteris prolifera was found abundant on entire growth level based on elemental composition and gaseous exchange as a potential remediation system for phytoextraction of chromium. Inoculated A. prolifera (AM) and non-inoculated A. prolifera (Non-AM) were supplied with two Cr species: 12 mmol of trivalent cation (Cr⁺³) [Cr(III)] and 0.1 mmol of divalent dichromate anion (Cr₂O₇ ⁻²) [Cr(VI)]. Both Cr species were found to be depressed in overall growth and inefficient stomatal conductance (g_s) and net photosynthesis (NP). Mycorrhizal association was found to be natural scavenger of Cr toxicity as indicated by greater growth in plants exposed to Cr species, and increased gas exchange of Cr(III) treated plants. Though, chromium reduction resulted lower level of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) but interestingly elevated the level of aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) uptake in many folds which is the significance of sustainable growth of plant.

KEY WORDS:

• mycorrhization
• mineral nutrition
• phytoextraction
• phytoremediation

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This study was funded by a grant provided by Department of Science & Technology, Under Fast Track Research SERC Scheme, New Delhi.