The soil and water loss problem in rock mining areas is an extremely serious problem,and microbes play significant roles in ecological restoration of those areas.In this study,directive screening was used to explore the efficiency of microbe-mediated habitat restoration and the underlying mechanisms.A bacterial strain NLX-4,which was then identified as Pseudomonas protegens according to its 16S rRNA gene sequence,was screened out as an efficient silicate dissolution bacterium with the ability to secrete siderophore and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA).Moreover,pH value,element (K,Al,Si) release,organic acid content,amino acid concentration,polysaccharide content,and rock particle diameter variation in culture medium were analyzed to explore the ability of P.protegens NLX-4 to promote dolomite dissolution under controlled experimental conditions.These results showed that P.protegens NLX-4 could play a positive role in dolomite dissolution by producing tartaric acid (>777 mg·L-1) and polysaccharides (>8.21g·L-1).Therefore,P.protegens NLX-4 is an efficient microbial resource that can be used in rehabilitation of abandoned mines and has great application potential.
Keywords: Pseudomonas sp.; biological weathering; ecological restoration; rock mining area; silicate rock.