Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Arsenate Uptake by Brachiaria Grass ( Brachiaria decumbens ).

ABSTRACTUsing a compartmentalized treatment technique, the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF;Acaulospora scrobiculata) on arsenic (As) uptake and translocation inBrachiaria decumbens. Treatments consisted of a factorial arrangement of three As doses (0, 50, and 100 mg kg−1) and the presence/absence of AMF inoculates. In the absence of AMF,B. decumbensdid not show As accumulation, indicating the probable presence of tolerance mechanism via As exclusion by the roots.B. decumbensplants showed high AMF colonization levels, especially in the arsenic treatments, with AMF improving shoot and root growth independent of As concentrations. Arsenic accumulation occurred only with AMF inoculation. Phosphorous uptake was reduced inB. decumbensroots in the presence of arsenic with and without inoculation of AMF. Results suggest thatB. decumbenscan be used in phytoremediation procedures when inoculated withA. scrobiculata, although pasture formation should be strictly avoided in contaminated sites. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]