The synergistic effect of biopolymers as green binders with halophyte plant growth-promoting bacteria for the bioremediation of saline soil
摘要
In recent years, soil salinity has posed a significant challenge to greenhouse vegetable cultivation in Iran. Nowadays, bioremediation is an innovative and up-and-coming method for soil salinity remediation; it offers several advantages including high efficiency, economic efficiency, environmental compatibility, sustainability, and improved biodiversity. Biological remediation strategies are based on the synergistic effects of biological agents such as halophyte PGP bacteria and environmentally friendly materials such as biopolymers to improve saline soil health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the encapsulation of halophyte PGP bacteria with chitosan, alginate, and starch biopolymers on soil chemical properties, soil enzyme activity, and their potential functions for purslane phytoremediation by simulation in Plexiglas columns in saline soil remediation. The treatments included a consortium of eight halophyte PGP bacteria (the same eight-strain halotolerant PGPR consortium was used consistently across all treatments), two types of microencapsulation, including Alginate + Starch + Chitosan and Starch + Chitosan in the biopolymer structure, compared to the conventional method using 1% H₂SO₄. The saline soil column leaching experiment was conducted on the dynamics of salt distribution, desalination efficiency, and leaching rate. The chemical properties and content of soil enzymes were examined before and after the experimental treatments. The results revealed that the biopolymer amendments reduced the content of Na+, CO32−, HCO3−, and Cl− and significantly (p < 0.01) elevated the content of Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ compared to 1% H2SO4. The activities of urease, catalase, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and amylase enzymes in soils treated with biopolymer improvers increased significantly (