Bioremediation potential of an arsenic immobilizing strain Brevibacillus sp. KUMAs1 in the rhizosphere of chilli plant

Arsenic is considered as a hazardous metalloid, which is of major global concern due to its elevated level in groundwater and drinking water as well, especially in Bengal delta. The crop fields are becoming highly affected with arsenic due to irrigation with arsenic-contaminated groundwater, thereby creating a potential risk of arsenic accumulation in crops leading to biomagnification. Decontamination of arsenic-polluted soils using rhizobacteria has been therefore taken as a challenge to the environmentalists as a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution. Optimum conditions for arsenic immobilization by an arsenic-resistant strain, Brevibacillus sp. KUMAs1, were determined under culture conditions. Detoxification potential of KUMAs1 in the rhizosphere of chilli plant was studied through pot experiment. The strain could promote chilli plant growth under arsenic stress by decreasing arsenic accumulation in plant upon successful colonization in the rhizosphere, which suggests the possibility of using this isolate for successful bioremediation of arsenic-contaminated crop fields.