This study investigates the impact of Glomus mosseae on heavy metal(loid) (HM) uptake efficiency of pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants along with physiological and biochemical parameters. Plants were grown in soil spiked with HMs (Pb and As: 50 and 100 mg kg-1; Cd: 25 and 50 mg kg-1) and a multi-metal(loid) (Mm: Pb + Cd + As) combination, inoculated/non-inoculated with G. mosseae. A dose-dependent increase in HM accumulation was observed in plants upon harvest at 60 days. Plant growth, concentration of photosynthetic pigments, total nitrogen, and carbohydrates reduced, whereas enzymatic [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)] and non-enzymatic (proline and total phenolics) antioxidants increased upon HM stress. Inoculation with G. mosseae led to an increase in plant growth, concentration of photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrate, nitrogen, and defence antioxidants (whereas proline decreased) which was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). This symbiosis can be applied for onsite remediation of Pb and Cd contaminated soil by virtue of accumulation efficiency and adaptive response of pea plants inoculated with G. mosseae. Since the amount of HMs in edible parts exceeded the maximum permissible limits recommended by FAO/WHO, pea must not be cultivated in HM-contaminated soil for agricultural purpose due to associated toxicity. Novelty statement To our knowledge, phytoremediation potential of Pea in synchronization with Glomus mosseae has not been evaluated previously. This study highlights: • Pea-AMF symbiosis can be applied for Pb and/or Cd phytoremediation. • Target Hazard Quotient >1 for Pb, Cd and As; caution to food chain exposure required. • Nonenzymatic (proline, TPC) and enzymatic (CAT, SOD, APX) antioxidants play a key role in ROS detoxification.
Keywords: Heavy metal; mycorrhiza; phytoremediation.