Elucidation of biosorption and mycoremediation potential by <i> <i>Trichoderma yunnanense</i> </i> TM10 in mercury- and cadmium-stressed rice plants ( <i>Oryza sativa</i> L.)

Heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils by mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) threatens crop productivity, food safety, and environmental sustainability. This study evaluated the tolerance, biosorption potential, and mycoremediation performance of Trichoderma yunnanense TM10 through in vitro and greenhouse experiments in rice plants. Fungal tolerance was assessed by maximum tolerance level assays, metal removal by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and plant growth and physiological responses, soil metal reduction, and leaf metal accumulation were evaluated under greenhouse conditions. T. yunnanense TM10 tolerated Cd up to 500 mg L−1 and Hg up to 100 mg L−1, removing 88.50% of Hg and 35.49% of Cd in liquid culture. T. yunnanense TM10 significantly improved rice growth, chlorophyll content, soil metal reduction, and reduced leaf metal accumulation under heavy metal stress. These findings support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (zero hunger) and 3 (good health and well-being).