Newly isolated Bacillus sp. PS-6 assisted phytoremediation of heavy metals using Phragmites communis: Potential application in wastewater treatment

This work aimed to study Bacillus sp. PS-6 assisted phytoremediation of metals from pulp and paper industry wastewater as a novel green technique for the removal of metals of wastewater. Results revealed that heavy metal (mg L^-1) contents in wastewater were reduced after in-situ phytoremediation for Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb, and As. Phragmites communis showed higher potential for the enrichment of Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb, and As in its rhizomes, roots, and shoots compared to leaves. The strain produced indole acetic acid, siderophores, and hydrolytic and ligninolytic enzymes, and resulted in nutrients solubilization. Results offer potential basis for the removal of metals from pulp and paper industry wastewater at large scale and prevention of pollution.