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3005144 
Journal Article 
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in phytoremediation of contaminated areas by trace elements: mechanisms and major benefits of their applications 
Cabral, L; Fonseca Sousa Soares, CR; Giachini, AJ; Siqueira, JO 
2015 
Yes 
World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
ISSN: 0959-3993
EISSN: 1573-0972 
31 
11 
1655-1664 
26250548 
WOS:000361822300001 
In recent decades, the concentration of trace elements has increased in soil and water, mainly by industrialization and urbanization. Recovery of contaminated areas is generally complex. In that respect, microorganisms can be of vital importance by making significant contributions towards the establishment of plants and the stabilization of impacted areas. Among the available strategies for environmental recovery, bioremediation and phytoremediation outstand. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are considered the most important type of mycorrhizae for phytoremediation. AMF have broad occurrence in contaminated soils, and evidences suggest they improve plant tolerance to excess of certain trace elements. In this review, the use of AMF in phytoremediation and mechanisms involved in their trace element tolerance are discussed. Additionally, we present some techniques used to study the retention of trace elements by AMF, as well as a summary of studies showing major benefits of AMF for phytoremediation. 
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; Contaminated soils; Morphological and genetic mechanisms; Trace elements; Phytoremediation