The great potential for phytoremediation of abandoned tailings pond using ectomycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris

To explore the potential of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) Pinus sylvestris (P. sylvestris) utilizing in the phytoremediation of a combined heavy metal contaminated tailings pond, Pisolithus sp.1(P1)-. Pisolithus sp.2 (P2)-. Cenococcum geophilum (Cg)-. Laccaria sp. (L1)- ECM, and non-ectomycorrhizal (NM) P. sylvestris were planted separately in lead (Pb)-zinc-(Zn)-cadmium-(Cd)-combined polluted soil, collected from a tailings pond. After four months, growth, photosynthetic parameters, nutrient and heavy metal levels of the plants were evaluated. The physical and chemical properties and enzyme activities of soil before and after ECM plants planting were also investigated. The results showed that inoculation with ECM fungi improved the survival rates of host plants by increasing the biomass, photosynthesis (photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci)), and mineral nutrients (phosphorus (Pi), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca)), while it decreased the transfer factors of Cd, Pb, and Zn. In addition, ECM P. sylvestris significantly accumulated much more Cd, Pb, and Zn than NM seedlings, while it reduced pH and the availability of heavy metals (DTPA-Cd, DTPA-Pb, DTPA-Zn) in soil and increased activity of soil enzymes (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, urease). Therefore, the ECM symbionts have the great potential for phytoremediation of abandoned tailings pond, and this study provides a theoretical basis and application premise for the phytoremediation of abandoned tailings pond. [Display omitted] •ECM P. sylvestris has high survival rate and better growth parameters.•ECM P. sylvestris can absorb more nutrients elements and Cd, Pb and Zn.•ECM P. sylvestris increases soil enzyme activity and reduces available Cd, Pb and Zn.•ECM P. sylvestris has great potential for remediation of tailings ponds.