Rhizodegradation potential and tolerance of Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh in phenanthrene and pyrene contaminated sediments

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the dissipation of phenanthrene and pyrene in spiked sediments with presence of Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. The rhizosphere environment was set up using a self-design nylon rhizo-bag which divided the sediment into the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere. Results showed that the dissipation of phenanthrene and pyrene were significantly enhanced in the rhizosphere compared with non-rhizosphere sediments. Plant roots promoted dissipation significantly greater than the contribution of direct plant uptake and accumulation of phenanthrene and pyrene. The activities of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes in roots and leaves significantly increased against oxidative stress with increasing PAH concentrations. Furthermore, a significant relationship (R2>0.91) between dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and the residual of PAHs in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere sediments was observed after 120days planting. Results indicated that rhizome mediation with A. marina is a useful approach to promote the depletion of PAHs in contaminated mangrove sediments. •The dissipation of phenanthrene and pyrene significantly enhanced in rhizosphere compared with non-rhizosphere sediments.•The accumulation of phenanthrene and pyrene in plant tissues was a negligible contribution compared to the total remediation.•Avicennia marina represented well to serve as biodegradation in PAH contaminated sediments for contaminant tolerance.