Mycorrhized Lygeum spartum is effective for the eco-restoration and phytoremediation of metal-contaminated soils in arid landscapes

Plant species inhabiting industrial areas have evolved resilience in stressed environments and represent potential valuable resources for remediating polluted sites. However, data describing the potential of xeric plant species in sustainable green applications remain scarce. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mycorrhiza-amended xeric plant species Lygeum spartum, in coping with arid conditions for phytoremediation and ecological restoration of degraded and contaminated lands. A six-month controlled pot experiment was conducted to assess leaf length, enzymatic activities, and secondary metabolites. Toxic metals and metalloids (TMMs) fate was evaluated using translocation factor (TF), bioaccumulation factor (BF) and removal efficiency (RE). Fungal inoculation positively impacted growth, increasing leaf size by 64.6 % and enhancing chlorophyll content - Chl a (0.73 mg g−1 DW) and Chl b (0.64 mg g−1 DW). Root uptake of Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr and Pb was significantly enhanced in mycorrhizal plants (p < 0.05), and inoculation improved translocation of Zn, Cr and Co, with TFZn = 1.67, TFCr = 1.11 and TFCo = 1.05 respectively. Secondary metabolites included flavonoids, total phenols, glutathion-S-transferase, carotenoids, and antioxidants such as peroxidase (POD, 4.25 μmol min−1 mg−1 proteins), ascorbate peroxidase (APX, 2.14 μmol min−1 mg−1 proteins) and superoxide dismutase (SOD, 17.04 66 U mg−1 protein). However, no improvement was observed in catalase activity or free radical scavenging potential. Therefore, xeric plant species amended with mycorrhiza are effective in TMM phytoremediation in arid environments and can be used for the restoration of degraded lands. Further, mycorrhiza could be used as sink cultures for the Phyto management and sustainable eco-restoration.