Collection and analysis of root exudates of Festuca arundinacea L. and their role in facilitating the phytoremediation of petroleum-contaminated soil

The objectives of this study were to elucidate the mechanisms of interaction between root exudates of tall fescue and functional bacteria associated with petroleum degradation and whether components of the exudates can enhance petroleum removal from soil. Root exudates of tall fescue were collected through a continuous root exudate trapping system and identified by GC-MS. Chemotaxis, swarming, and in vitro assay were conducted to assess the effects of the organic acids of root exudates on Klebsiella sp. D5A (plant growth promoting rhizobacterium), Pseudomonas sp. SB (biosurfactant producing bacterium), and Streptomyces sp. KT (petroleum-degrading bacterium). A pot experiment with organic acid amendment was conducted to study the effects of these components of root exudates on petroleum remediation. Microbial physiological metabolisms affected by organic acids were tested using Biolog Eco plates. Palmitic acid was found to be most effective in promoting D5A colonization on tall fescue. ρ-Hydroxybenzoic and palmitic acids significantly stimulated the growth of strains D5A, SB, and KT. Furthermore, palmitic acid amendment significantly enhanced petroleum removal in pot experiment. Palmitic acid was the critical organic acid to facilitate petroleum removal during phytoremediation. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms by which tall fescue enhances the degradation of petroleum.