Evaluation of two remediation techniques for the removal of silica from contaminated soil, Azandarian region, Iran

Background and Objective: Bioremediation and one of its main branches, namely phytoremediation, is one of the most important and basic processes for eliminating pollutants from the environment. Due to the large number of silica factories in Azandarian area of ​​Malayer city and high soil silica pollution in this area, this study was conducted to compare the bioremediation effect of Fusarium oxysporum and Portulace olerace.L phytoremediation on silica uptake. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, portulaca oleracea was cultivated in greenhouse conditions and different concentrations of silica and under the treatment of fungi in a completely random statistical design. For this purpose, portulaca oleracea cultivation was carried out under greenhouse conditions, fungal treatment and in different concentrations of silica in a completely randomized manner. Results: The results showed that the fungus grew easily at high speed at 95% concentration of silica and was able to absorb 84.50% of the silica in the soil and the plant was able to absorb 80% of silica, the highest absorption rate of 69.71% and the highest rate of silica uptake in plant and fungus coexistence is 80% silica and 69.90%. The results showed that the fungus grew easily in the presence of silica with 95% concentration and could absorb 84.50% of silica in the soil. In the presence of 80% silica, the plant demonstrated the highest adsorption rate of 61.71%. The highest rate of silica uptake (69.90%) was reached at the 80% initial concentration of silica under the coexistence activities of plant and fungi. Conclusion: In conclusion, silica exhibited a positive and significant effect on the physiological traits of Portulaca oleracea and also increased the amount of phenol, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. The coexistence of fungi and plants also increased the mentioned physiological traits in Portulaca oleracea. Also, the coexistence of plants and fungi showed a positive effect on silica adsorption, which can be effective in reducing silica contamination in the region.