In situ Remediation of Saline Soils Using a Consortium of Halophilic Microscopic Fungi

Abstract

Based on series of experiments conducted in the microbiology laboratory of the faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Biosystems Engineering at the Georgian Technical University, a unique consortium of halophilic microscopic fungi has been created. Using this consortium, compost was prepared under laboratory conditions and remediation of salt-degraded soils (ex situ) was implemented. The present research represents a logical continuation of the laboratory experiment and its gradual translation to field scale. Before testing the created consortium in field conditions, optimization of biotechnological parameters of the composting process was necessary under laboratory conditions. As a result of this experimental stage, optimal concentrations of inoculum and compost were determined (1.25% and 20%, respectively). In the next stage of the experiment, the laboratory-established protocol was adapted for field conditions; additionally, the effectiveness of both individual strains and the multistructural consortium was evaluated. In situ bioremediation of saline soils revealed the existence of synergistic interactions between the components of the consortium; elimination of salts from the soil by the consortium significantly exceeded the effectiveness of individual strains. In the final stage of the research, a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of bioremediation technology was conducted according to phenometric parameters of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. The obtained results provide a foundation for further development and practical implementation of innovative technology for bioremediation of saline soils.