Effects of Bacillus subtilis and nanohydroxyapatite on the metal accumulation and microbial diversity of rapeseed ( Brassica campestris L.) for the remediation of cadmium-contaminated soil

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of the co-application of Bacillus subtilis and nanohydroxyapatite (NHAP) on plant growth, soil cadmium (Cd) dynamics, and the microbiological characteristics (such as enzyme activity and bacterial species richness) of the rhizosphere soil. Rapeseed was used as a model plant in pot experiments. Different concentrations of B. subtilis and 0.5% NHAP were applied alone and in combination to Cd-contaminated soil. The Cd contents in soils and plants as well as the rhizospheric microorganism diversity were assessed. The addition of B. subtilis or NHAP alone increased the soil Cd content and decreased the plant Cd content, while their co-application more effectively increased the soil and plant Cd contents than either treatment alone. B. subtilis and NHAP reduced the plant Cd content by 43.15–57.04% compared with that in the control. Rhizosphere community richness and bacterial diversity were significantly increased after co-application of B. subtilis and NHAP. Co-application of B. subtilis and NHAP effectively promoted rapeseed growth and improved Cd-contaminated soil remediation.