Rhizodegradation: The Plant Root Exudate and Microbial Community Relationship

Transfer and Degradation of PAHs in the Soil–Plant System: A Review

“…This is because plant roots stimulate soil microbial biomass and oxygen transport to the rhizosphere, thereby promoting the degradation process. 39 However, once a contaminant enters the plant cells, the primary detoxification pathway shifts toward immobilization. It is important to note that the pathways for immobilizing organic compounds such as PAHs differ from those employed for immobilizing heavy metals, as depicted in Figure 5.…”

“…This process indirectly detoxifies the environment by making it easier for indigenous microbiota to degrade them. This is because plant roots stimulate soil microbial biomass and oxygen transport to the rhizosphere, thereby promoting the degradation process . However, once a contaminant enters the plant cells, the primary detoxification pathway shifts toward immobilization.…”

“…The rhizosphere, a zone of complex interactions among plant roots, exudates, microbes, and rhizosphere soil, accomplishes pollutant degradation into nontoxic/less-toxic substances . Plant root exudates, rich in nutrients, carbon sources, enzymes, and sometimes oxygen, stimulate microbial proliferation and colonization, speeding up contaminants’ biodegradation/remediation processes in the rhizosphere. , The combined systems of plant growth-promoting activities of microbes and plants improve the plants’ adaptation, growth, and overall phytoremediation efficacy. These mutual interactions (defined as the rhizosphere effect) have emerged to be a sustainable and eco-friendly soil cleanup approach with low maintenance, reduced soil disturbance, and overall low costs. , …”