INFLUENCE OF BACTERIA ON THE BIOREMEDIATION OF SOIL CONTAMINATED WITH CADMIUM AND CULTIVATED WITH CRAMBE ABYSSINICA IN PROTECTED CULTIVATION

The increasing concern about Cd contamination, a toxic metal that accumulates in the environment and enters the food chain, poses risks to human health and the environment. This research focuses on remediation methods such as phytoremediation using Crambe abyssinica and bioremediation with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), highlighting their potential to reduce Cd bioavailability. The experiments were carried out in a protected cultivation system in Paraná, Brazil, using a randomized block design. Seeds were inoculated with A. brasilense and P. fluorescens under varying Cd doses. Evaluated variables included plant growth, anatomical characteristics, and concentrations of macronutrients and Cd in plant tissue and soil. Results showed that bacterial inoculation significantly increased plant growth even under Cd contamination. Inoculated plants exhibited greater root and shoot length, as well as improved vascular structure in xylem and phloem. Nutrient analysis revealed better macronutrient uptake and greater Cd accumulation, especially in aerial plant parts. The results confirm that phytoremediation and bioremediation are effective strategies for mitigating Cd contamination in agricultural soils. Inoculation with PGPB not only improved plant health and growth but also enhanced Cd accumulation capacity, supporting their use in sustainable remediation strategies. The techniques presented offer sustainable approaches for managing environmental risks associated with toxic metals.