BrainMap

Dana Emanuela Lushnykov (Tiodar)

-

Expertise & keywords

Decontamination of heavy metal polluted soils by exploiting plant rhizosphere interactions Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-5254 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://biiophyt.wordpress.com

Abstract:

Mercury (Hg) pollution, sometimes associated with other metal contaminants such as zinc, lead, manganese, and nickel is a global threat to human and environmental health because of its toxicity, mobility and long residence time in the atmosphere. Although Hg production has dropped, former mines and chloralkali plants represent constant sources of mercury pollution. Engineering based remediation technologies imply high costs, intensive labour, and nevertheless irreversible changes in soil quality, structure and native microbiota. Combined phyto- and bioremediation is an emerging strategy to address decontamination of heavy metal polluted soils because plants handle contaminants without affecting topsoil, therefore conserving its fertility or even improving it through root exudation. Moreover, phytoremediation require low cost and maintenance. Within the current project we aim to develop a Hg polymetallic soil decontamination environmental-friendly technology based on cooperation between a facultative metallophyte species and its rhizosphere associated microorganisms. The use of a facultative metallophyte, able to grow on the former chloralkaline plant that is able to sustain growth at concentrations of Hg above the alert threshold, stands as the base concept of the planned approach. The removal efficiency of Hg from soil of the selected facultative metallophyte on its own and in combination with Hg resistant fungal and bacteria isolates will be tested in controlled laboratory conditions in soil artificially contaminated solely with Hg or in Hg polymetallic soil from a former chloralkali plant. The test will provide information about the most appropriate microorganism to be used in combination with the plant species, in order to propose an eco-friendly, non-destructive, low cost and efficient technology for decontamination of Hg polluted soils.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects