Phytostabilization Of Cr (VI) And Growth Promotion In Tagetes patula L. By Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria

Hexavalent chromium pollution is a global threat that has accelerated dramatically due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Toxic chromium affects both microbial diversity as well as reduces the growth of the plants. Chromium reducing and plant growth promoting PGPR species significantly improved growth of marigold plant grown in the presence of different concentrations of chromium compared to the plants grown in the absence of bio-inoculant. The strain also reduced the uptake of chromium in shoots compared to plants grown in the absence of bio-inoculant. Results showed that inoculation improved plant growth parameters significantly compared to un-inoculated plants. In inoculated pots Cr (VI) contents were decreased in soil upto 62% while plant analysis for Cr (VI) revealed that inoculation decreased uptake and translocation of Cr (VI) from soil to the aerial parts of plant. Concentration of Cr (VI) was upto 36% less in roots and 60% less in shoots as compared to uninoculated plants grown in contaminated pots.