Response patterns of the microbiome during hexavalent chromium remediation by Tagetes erecta L.

Chromium pollution, particularly hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], may threaten the environment and human health. This study investigated the potential of Tagetes erecta L. (Aztec marigold) for phytoremediation of soil contaminated with Cr(VI), and focused on the effects of varying concentrations of Cr(VI) on both the physicochemical properties of soil and microbiome of Tagetes erecta L. We observed that Tagetes erecta L. showed tolerance to Cr(VI) stress and maintained normal growth under these conditions, as indicated by bioconcentration factors of 0.33–0.53 in shoots and 0.39–0.70 in roots. Meanwhile, the structure and diversity of bacterial communities were significantly affected by Cr(VI) pollution. Specifically, Cr(VI) had a more significant effect on the microbial community structure in the endophytic of Tagetes erecta L. than in the rhizosphere (p < 0.05). The genera Devosia and Methylobacillus were positively correlated with Cr(VI) concentrations. Biomarkers such as Bacilli and Pseudonocardia were identified under the different Cr(VI)-contaminated treatments using LEfSe. In addition, the interaction and stability of the endophytic microbiome were enhanced under Cr(VI) stress. This study explored the interactions between heavy metals, microorganisms, and plants, providing valuable insights for developing in situ bioremediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated soils.