Consequences of Arsenic Contamination on Plants and Mycoremediation-Mediated Arsenic Stress Tolerance for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Arsenic contamination in water and soil is becoming a severe problem. It is toxic to the environment and human health. It is usually found in small quantities in rock, soil, air, and water which increase due to natural and anthropogenic activities. Arsenic exposure leads to several diseases such as vascular disease, including stroke, ischemic heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease, and also increases the risk of liver, lungs, kidneys, and bladder tumors. Arsenic leads to oxidative stress that causes an imbalance in the redox system. Mycoremediation approaches can potentially reduce the As level near the contaminated sites and are procuring popularity as being eco-friendly and cost-effective. Many fungi have specific metal-binding metallothionein proteins, which are used for immobilizing the As concentration from the soil, thereby removing the accumulated As in crops. Some fungi also have other mechanisms to reduce the As contamination, such as biosynthesis of glutathione, cell surface precipitation, bioaugmentation, biostimulation, biosorption, bioaccumulation, biovolatilization, methylation, and chelation of As. Arsenic-resistant fungi and recombinant yeast have a significant potential for better elimination of As from contaminated areas. This review discusses the relationship between As exposure, oxidative stress, and signaling pathways. We also explain how to overcome the detrimental effects of As contamination through mycoremediation, unraveling the mechanism of As-induced toxicity.

Consequences of arsenic exposure in Plant-health status: an overview

“…Pterisvittata is a hyperaccumulator of arsenic, producing up to six times as much of the metal as is present in soil [70]. While arsenic in rice straw was shown to be favorably correlated with soil arsenic, arsenic in rice grain was found to be inversely correlated with soil arsenic, with arsenic in rice grain being 0.54 mg/kg in soil [72]. This suggests that rice can absorb a significant amount of As even at concentrations that are significantly lower than those that are dangerous.…”

“…Arsenic can still have an effect on several biological systems for years or even decades after exposure levels have diminished. Arsenic generates oxidative stress, which disrupts the redox system [72]. The world's two main sources of arsenic pollution are groundwater and the irrigation of rice farmed in polluted areas.…”

Analysis of the Fertilizing and Bioremediation Potential of Leaf Litter Compost Amendment in Different Soils through Indexing Method

“…This study analysed the dynamic of PTEs such as As, Cd, Cr, Li, Ni, Hg, and Pb and their bioremediation in the soil due to bio-compost amendment. Arsenic accumulation in soil can adversely affect plant growth and crop productivity [49]. Plants take up arsenic which can accumulate in their edible parts, contaminating food crops [50].…”

Current Status of Biotechnological Approaches to Enhance the Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals in India—A Review

“…Reduced shoot and root development, necrosis, chlorosis, senescence of the leaves, defoliation, limited stomatal conductance and nutrient absorption, and degradation of chlorophyll [16] Copper Disrupts cellular function and restricts the actions of enzymes in microorganisms. Cu affects oxidative stress, chlorosis, and hinders plant development.…”