Effect of Chromium Species and Plant Growth Promoting Microorganisms on Growth Parameters of Amaranthus gangeticus

Abstract

In agricultural regions close to industrial areas, especially at the vicinity of tannery industry, chromium contamination poses a serious environmental risk. A pot experiment was carried out in the current study to assess the impact of hexavalent and trivalent chromium under the influence of microorganisms on Amaranthus gangeticus growth characteristics. Nine different concentrations of chromium (Cr) were used which consists of 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg Cr+6 as K2Cr2O7 and 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg Cr+3 as KCr(SO4)2, in conjunction with four different levels of microorganisms, consisting of control, Azospirillum, Phosphate solublizing Bacteria (PSB), and Potassium Releasing Bacteria (KRB). The study revealed that when Cr concentrations increased, steady decline was observed in shoot, root length, leaf length, leaf breadth, number of leaves, and fresh weight. But when supplemented with KRB, the treatments had an ameliorative impact on chromium and, in comparison, enhanced the growth characteristics.