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Pisolithus arhizus Inoculation Enhances Mercury Tolerance and Growth of Trifolium repens in Mining Soils

delete2026-08-13
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OA
AI
M
Mónica López Velarde Santos
A
Adrian Ferrucio Garcia-Morales
J
José Alberto Rodríguez Morales *
F
Felix Leao Rodríguez Fierros *
Y
Yesenia Mendoza-Burguete
J
Juan Campos‐Guillén
M
Miguel Ángel Ramos-López
M
María del Carmen González-López
M
María Carolina Espinosa Arzate
L
Luisa Ramírez-Granados
R
Ricardo Chaparro Sánchez
DOI:10.3390/toxics14080716delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
While mining provides critical raw materials for modern infrastructure and the energy transition, it leaves behind severe environmental damages, such as soil mercury (Hg) contamination. In the present study, we present the first study evaluating the relationship of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus arhizus with Trifolium repens (white clover) as a novel nature-based mycoremediation strategy for mercury-stressed soils. Through a controlled 2 × 2 factorial experiment over six months, we demonstrate that P. arhizus significantly enhances both plant biomass and heavy-metal tolerance. Inoculation achieved a 9.53% reduction in soil Hg and drove a dramatic 53% increase in stem growth under Hg stress (compared to 36% in non-contaminated conditions) once the extraradicular mycelial network was established. Furthermore, we report novel soil-chemistry dynamics under Hg stress, including a 16% shift in electrical conductivity alongside unexpected increases in the available potassium (+9%) and phosphorus (+3%). These findings present first results for a novel approach of mycoremediation by incorporating P. arhizus into T. repens co-cultivation as a viable remediation strategy, prior to field-scale remediation.
Keywords:
mercury
mining soils
mycoremediation
<i>Pisolithus arhizus</i>
soil toxicity
<i>Trifolium repens</i>

Journal

Toxics cover
Toxics
IF:
4.1
Papers:
5.0K
Citations:
1.2W

Organization

U
universidad autónoma de querétaro
Scholars:
341
Papers: 126
Citations: 0
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