Phytoremediation using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Phytoremediation is a promising technique that removes heavy metals from the environment using plants and their associated microorganisms. Mycorrhizal-mediated phytoremediation is a new, low-cost, ecologically friendly, and innovative approach of alleviating plant stress and removing heavy metals in contaminated soils. Phytoremediation is facilitated by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species through various mechanisms. This chapter discusses the processes involved in phytoremediation and various detoxification mechanisms that AMF provides in enhancing plant metal tolerance and development, as well as metal immobilization or extraction in plants. The efficacy of the ameliorative effect of AMF on heavy metals is contingent on the host plant, AMF specie types, metal type, and their concentrations. Recent studies on heavy metal phytoremediation mediated by AMF are discussed along with future research opportunities. Despite several promising findings in recent years, phytoremediation of extremely contaminated soils has been highly problematic. Thus, better understanding of mycorrhizal-mediated phytoremediation of heavy metals can be an effective tool in promoting plant tolerance to metal toxicity and ecosystem sustainability.