Endorhizal fungal symbiosis in lycophytes and metal(loid)-accumulating ferns growing naturally in mine wastes in Mexico

Ferns and lycophytes are pioneer plants that can be useful for revegetation. Their natural distribution and interaction with soil fungal endophytes can increase plant fitness but have received little attention. This study aimed to identify these plant species in mine wastes, and determine colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytes (DSE). The pseudo-total and diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable rhizosphere concentrations of As, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn, bioavailability index (BI), and bioconcentration factor (BCF) were analyzed. Six ferns and one lycophyte were identified. Arsenic and metal concentrations were high, which were plant and site-dependent. All species showed hyperaccumulation of As in fronds, especially Argyrochosma formosa (2,883) and Notholaena affinis (2,160) had the highest concentrations (mg kg−1). All plants were colonized by AMF (3%−24%) and DSE (2%−33%). Astrolepis sinuata and Myriopteris notholaenoides had the maximum colonization by AMF and A. formosa by DSE. This study identifies for the first time five ferns and one lycophyte species on mine wastes, their As hyperaccumulation capacity and the simultaneous fungal colonization by AMF and DSE. These are relevant plant traits for phytoremediation. However, fungal identification and the role colonization by AMF and DSE requires full analysis.