Arthropods in soil reclamation and bioremediation: Functional roles, mechanisms and future perspective

Soil arthropods are a diverse group of invertebrates that play pivotal roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, soil structure formation, and regulation of soil biodiversity. Understanding the ecological significance of soil arthropods and their interactions with other soil organisms is crucial. This review paper examines the potential of arthropods in improving soil health and quality, with a specific focus on their relevance in acidic, saline/alkaline, and contaminated soils. The paper investigates the interactions between arthropods and their associated microbiomes, their contributions to soil physical and chemical properties, their influence on nutrient cycling and organic matter mineralization, as well as their role as indicators of soil health due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. Furthermore, the review explores how arthropods enhance the activities of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast, which employ molecular mechanisms to remediate heavy metal contamination in soils. Lastly, the paper addresses key challenges and future directions for utilizing soil arthropods in the restoration of environmentally friendly soils.