Producing Mycorrhizal Inoculum for Phytoremediation
This chapter describes the latest ultrasonic nebulizer technology for the production of inocula of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for the purpose of mycorrhizo-remediation of metal-contaminated soils. It is a superior alternative to common pot-culture and conventional atomizing disc or spray nozzle systems used for the production of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inocula. This technology employs high-frequency sound to nebulize nutrient solution into microdroplets 1 μm in diameter. Fast growth of roots of the test plant, precolonized with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus obtained from the contaminated site, is achieved in the ultrasonic nebulizer chamber containing low-P nutrient solution. These roots can be sheared and used as inoculum in small doses to improve survival and growth of plants used for mycorrhizo-remediation of metal-contaminated soils, which is a prerequisite for phytoremediation.