Enhanced dissipation of chrysene in planted soil: the impact of a rhizobial inoculum

Results from an innovative approach to improve remediation in the rhizosphere by encouraging healthy plant growth and thus enhancing microbial activity are reported. Mixed grass–legume systems, together with microbial inoculants, were used to remediate a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (chrysene) spiked agricultural soil. Inoculants were symbiotic rhizobia, which may play an important role in rhizoremediation by increasing plant and root growth. An inoculum of an isolate of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii, selected for PAH tolerance, was produced using a peat carrier. The inoculum and white clover (Trifolium repens L.), were planted into soils with ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The soils spiked with chrysene (500 mg kg−1) then aged for 4 weeks. Shoot- and root-biomass of plants, and the amount of root nodulation, were determined. Rhizobial populations, soil pH and soil nitrogen were also monitored throughout the trial. In addition, the ability of the inoculated rhizobial strain to utilise chrysene as a sole carbon source was assessed. Direct uptake and/or degradation of chrysene by the clover and ryegrass did not occur to a significant degree. Enhanced losses of chrysene were seen in planted, non-sterile soils that contained a rhizobial inoculum. No direct degradation of chrysene by R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii was observed and no enhanced losses of PAHs were detected in sterile soils after inoculation with rhizobia. Results suggest that the enhanced dissipation of chrysene, observed in the non-sterile planted inoculated pots, was not a result of degradation of chrysene by R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii. The symbiotic association with R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii improved plant vigour and growth in inoculated planted treatments. This may have stimulated the rhizospheric microflora to degrade chrysene.