Interspecific dance: how bacteria, fungi, and plants interact to survive in polluted soils

The soil is a complex, dynamic habitat for the growth and activities of bacteria, fungi, and plants. These organisms continuously interact with each other, forming a meta-organism. Interactions within these meta-organisms are crucial for ecological balance, contributing to soil fertility and plant health. Their complexity is an exciting area of research that has shown steady progress in the last decade. Advances in the field have demonstrated that synergistic and mutualistic interactions - among different bacteria, between bacteria and fungi, and between plants and microbes - act as biocatalysts, facilitating the elimination of organic and inorganic pollutants from the soil. Interactions between microorganisms driven by the synergistic metabolic processes of bacteria and fungi significantly improve the removal of these compounds, while plant-microbe interactions modify rhizosphere parameters, leading to increased microbial activity and more efficient removal of recalcitrant contaminants. Additionally, bacterial and fungal plant growth-promoting mechanisms can be utilized to improve the efficiency of phytoremediation of pollutants from the soil. This review discusses recent advances in understanding the importance of multifaceted crosstalk among bacteria, fungi, and plants in polluted soil. This study is valuable as it focuses on the interplay between organisms under stressful conditions, which significantly alters their relationships compared to uncontaminated soils. Here, we review interactions - including recently discovered ones - and the associated new insights into bacteria, fungi, and plant interactions. A better understanding of beneficial interactions between bacteria, fungi, and plants is crucial for improving bioremediation techniques. • Interactions among bacteria, fungi, and plants enhance pollutant removal. • Pollution influences BBIs and BFIs, fostering collaboration between bacteria and fungi. • Microbial interactions with plants support growth and alleviate stress. • Understanding these interactions in contaminated soil can aid in its remediation.