Recent research published in Environmental Technology & Innovation explores a promising method for improving heavy metal phytoremediation in landfill soil using Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver grass) and bacterial-biochar pellets (BBP). The study, conducted by Ketaubon, Ritthikasem, Tanheng, and Prapagdee, focuses on the performance of BBP made from Micrococcus sp. MU1, an indole-3-acetic acid-producing bacterium.

The BBP demonstrated high viability, retaining 90% of viable cells after two months at 4°C and maintaining better survival in contaminated soil compared to free bacterial cells. When these pellets were applied to landfill soil, they significantly boosted the growth and chlorophyll synthesis of vetiver grass, leading to enhanced uptake of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn).

Vetiver grass inoculated with BBP showed a notable increase in the accumulation coefficient (AC) for Cd, Cu, and Zn, indicating that the plants were more effective at absorbing these metals from the soil. Despite the improved uptake, the metals were largely confined to the roots, suggesting vetiver grass is more suited for phytostabilization rather than phytoextraction.

The study highlights the potential of using bacterial-biochar pellets to enhance the efficiency of heavy metal phytoremediation in landfill soils. This approach could offer a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to mitigate heavy metal contamination, making it a valuable tool in environmental management.