Native Bacteria: A Solution for Lead Contamination in Banana Soils
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.28940/terralatinoamericana.v44i.2444Keywords:
bioremediation, immobilization, heavy metals, microorganism, agricultural soilsAbstract
The presence of lead (Pb) in agricultural soils of banana-growing areas poses risks to the environment, health, and economy of Ecuador; therefore, the use of native soil microorganisms for the immobilization of this metal is essential. The potential of native bacteria as agents capable of reducing Pb concentrations in a plantation in the Valencia canton was evaluated. Twenty-seven samples were collected, and Pb-resistant bacteria were isolated and characterized using biochemical and morphological tests, as well as by evaluating their antibiotic resistance and growth at Pb concentrations of 350, 750, and 1200 mg L–¹. Bacterial consortia with high tolerance to the metal were formed and inoculated into soils in the study area. The physiology of banana seedlings was monitored for 90 days as an indicator of soil health, and physicochemical analyses were performed to determine the apparent reduction in Pb. The soil showed Pb levels exceeding the agricultural limit (119.33 and 106.08 mg kg-1) with a pH of 5.78–5.96. Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. exhibited lead tolerance, with LB18 and LB20 showing the best growth
and CL₅₀ de 994.06 y 570.83 mg L-1, respectively. The mixed consortium promoted
the greatest plant growth (23.73 cm; ≈7 leaves) and reduced the negative response to the metal, achieving the highest apparent reduction in Pb (88.58%), demonstrating the ef fectiveness of these microbial communities as a sustainable biotechnological strategy for soil restoration and the preservation of banana productivity.
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