Impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on uranium accumulation by plants

J Environ Radioact. 2008 May;99(5):775-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2007.10.009. Epub 2008 Feb 20.

Abstract

Contamination by uranium (U) occurs principally at U mining and processing sites. Uranium can have tremendous environmental consequences, as it is highly toxic to a broad range of organisms and can be dispersed in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Remediation strategies of U-contaminated soils have included physical and chemical procedures, which may be beneficial, but are costly and can lead to further environmental damage. Phytoremediation has been proposed as a promising alternative, which relies on the capacity of plants and their associated microorganisms to stabilize or extract contaminants from soils. In this paper, we review the role of a group of plant symbiotic fungi, i.e. arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which constitute an essential link between the soil and the roots. These fungi participate in U immobilization in soils and within plant roots and they can reduce root-to-shoot translocation of U. However, there is a need to evaluate these observations in terms of their importance for phytostabilization strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Restoration and Remediation
  • Mycorrhizae / physiology*
  • Plants / metabolism*
  • Plants / microbiology
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / metabolism*
  • Uranium / metabolism*

Substances

  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Uranium