Improved Sprouting and Growth of Mung Plants in Chromate Contaminated Soils Treated with Marine Strains of Species.

Marine bacteria possess a wide variety of bioremediation potential which is beneficial environmentally and economically. In this study, bacterial isolates from marine waters were screened for tolerance and growth in high concentrations of chromate (Cr). Two isolates, capable of tolerating Cr concentrations 300 µg mL or higher, and found to completely reduce 20 µg mL Cr were grown in Cr (50 and 100 mg kg) spiked garden soil. Notably, both facilitated normal germination and growth of mung () seeds, which could hardly germinate in Cr spiked garden soil without either of these bacteria. In fact, large percent of mung seeds failed to sprout in the Cr spiked garden soil and could not grow any further. Apparently, chromate detoxification by marine bacterial isolates and the ability of mung plants to deal with the reduced form appear to work complementarily. This study provides an insight into marine bacterial abilities with respect to chromium and potential applications in promoting growth of leguminous plants-similar to mung in particular-in Cr contaminated soil.