Bioremediation potential of Pseudomonas putida and Selenium Nanoparticles on the Physiology of Zea mays L. Grown in Cd Contaminated Water from Factory

This study was intended to assess the role of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Se-nanoparticles on Maize (Zea mays L.) grown in Pakistan Ordinance Factory (POF) produced water and tube well water installed in the vicinity of the POF. Seeds of Golden Bantam Corn were inoculated with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Pseudomonas putida (KX574857), which were obtained from Molecular Plant Pathology Lab, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan) @ Of 10⁸ cells per ml before sowing. Selenium nanoparticles (30ppm) were synthesized by green synthesis on sodium selenite reduction with Withania somnifera L. extract. The foliar application (5ml in 30ppm) of Se NPswas conducted on leaves in the early vegetative phase, 12d after sowing. Plants were irrigated with POF water, while tap water irrigation to plants was treated as a control. Cd metal was found above permissible limits in POF effluent water. Plants irrigated with effluent water showed a decline in development and grain production. The PGPR and Se-nanoparticles reduce water samples BOD and raise the pH of acidic water (POF) towards neutrality. The PGPR alleviated the inhibitory effects of POF-discharged water with CAT enzyme activity. The PGPR enhanced sugar content (40%) over control in POF water. It is inferred that the Cd toxicity resulted in a decline in maize growth while PGPR and Se-nanoparticles minimize ROS production CAT enzyme activity. Pseudomonas putida and Se-nanoparticles work synergistically to alleviate oxidative stresses.