Phytoremediation of microbial contamination in soil by New Zealand native plants

Novel research has demonstrated that the roots of some bioactive plants - called pathogen phytoremediation enhance die-off pathogenic organisms in soil. Strategic establishment may reduce transport human pathogens to water sources. Such plantings could be used riparian margins, as buffer strips protect drinking supplies, or block planting ‘critical source areas’ microbial contamination, such grazing paddocks, organic waste – including sewage sludge amended land, animal feedlots and housing facilities, manure storage areas. This work aimed investigate antimicrobial activity a range New Zealand native known for their potential from previous through indigenous knowledge, assess if any them potentially phytoremediation. Two laboratory screening experiments Leptospermum scoparium, local variety swamp m?nuka, Kunzea ericoides, Pseudowintera colorata, Metrosideros robusta against three two indicator organisms. A greenhouse experiment showed 90% reduction Escherichia coli numbers dairy shed effluent irrigated pots after 14 days soils under L. scoparium M. robusta, compared with 45 soil Lolium perenne. The pH was significantly lower than perenne, which partially explain faster E. reduction.