Background and Objective: The behavior of heavy metals in the soil as one of the environmental challenges has attracted the attention of many researchers. The present study was conducted to evaluate the phosphorus solubilizing bacteria on remobilization of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in two calcareous soils.
Material and Methodology: Phosphorus, cadmium and lead in the forms of KH2PO4, Cd(NO3)2 and Pb(NO3)2 simultaneously were introduced to the soils to promote the formation of phosphate minerals of added metals in two selected soils. Ater two months the soils were inoculated with two Pseudomonas species and incubated for 3 months. Sequential extraction scheme were applied to determine the chemical forms of Cd and Pb 5, 25, 60 and 90 days after incubation.
Findings: The results showed that application of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria changed chemical forms of Cd and Pb. Inoculation with Pseudomonas decreased the soluble and exchangeable cadmium while increased organic matter-bound Cd concentration. Inoculation by Pseudomonas increased carbonate-bound Pb and decreased Fe-Mn oxide and organic matter bound Pb. In the other hand, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas) decreased mobility and bio-availability of cadmium and immobilization of lead.
Discussion and Conclusion: In fact, the behavior of heavy metals in the presence of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria was different and depends on the type of metal and soil properties. In present study, bacteria cause immobilization of cadmium and remobilization of lead.
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