Biochar loaded with metal tolerant bacteria enhanced phytoextraction of Sedum alfredii by facilitating plant growth and shaping rhizospheric microbial community. soil metagenome

Biochar and metal-tolerant bacteria have been widely used in the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil. However, in phytoremediation, it is not clear how the relationship and function of biochar and metal-tolerant bacteria with super-enriched plants change, which limits our ability to evaluate the role of super-enriched plants in the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil. Our main objectives and methods were: Firstly, to evaluate the effects of ZCC-inoculated biochar on the growth, chlorophyll concentration, antioxidant enzymes and Cd/Zn accumulation of S.alfredii. Secondly, the changes in soil chemical properties caused by biochar and Bacillus contamination ZCC were evaluated through the changes in soil physical and chemical properties. Thirdly, the response of bacterial and fungal communities in rhizosphere soil to the presence of biochar and contaminated Bacillus ZCC was investigated by Illumina sequencing and co-occurrence network analysis. Finally, the contribution of the improved rhizosphere chemistry and microbial community to the extraction of S.alfredii was investigated by structural equation model.