Enhancement by Burkholderia contaminans ZCC Combined with Biochar on the Remediation of Arsenic-Contaminated Soil by Pteris vittata

Arsenic pollution is a global environmental challenge, necessitating efficient and sustainable remediation technologies. This study investigates the synergistic effect of the arsenic-resistant bacterium Burkholderia contaminans ZCC (ZCC) and corn stalk biochar (BC) on arsenic-contaminated soil, with Pteris vittata as the remediation plant. Through pot experiments, we evaluated the effects of various BC addition rates (0%, 1%, 5%) and ZCC inoculation on soil pH, plant growth, physiological responses, and arsenic accumulation. Biochar alone significantly increased soil pH (reaching 7.56 in the 5% BC treatment), while B. contaminans ZCC alone had a weaker effect. In combined treatments, pH changes were primarily driven by biochar. The combination of B. contaminans ZCC and BC enhanced P. vittata growth, with the 5% BC + ZCC treatment showing the greatest increase in total plant biomass (2.56 times that of the control) and total chlorophyll content (43.32% higher). This treatment also activated antioxidant systems (increased SOD, POD, and CAT activities), reduced oxidative damage (lower MDA content), and improved osmotic regulation (higher proline content). Notably, B. contaminans ZCC and BC synergistically enhanced arsenic accumulation in the P. vittata plant, with the arsenic content under the 5% BC + ZCC treatment being 2.81 times that of the control. This study demonstrates that the combination of B. contaminans ZCC and BC enhances arsenic remediation through soil improvement and plant growth promotion.