potential application of bacterial Endophytes in phytoremediation: A Review

The partnership (symbiotic relationship) between plants and endophytic bacteria offers a sustainable and effective approach to environmental remediation. Endophytes, which colonize internal plant tissues without causing harm, enhance phytoremediation by promoting the degradation of organic pollutants and facilitating the accumulation of heavy metals. This plant–microbe partnership significantly improves the remediation of both organic compounds, such as hydrocarbons and persistent organic pollutants, and inorganic contaminants like cadmium, lead, zinc and arsenic. Advances in genetic engineering further expand the capabilities of endophytes by enabling the expression of catabolic pathways for enhanced contaminant breakdown. Additionally, endophytes promote plant growth through mechanisms such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and increased stress tolerance, critical for plant survival in polluted environments. Predominantly sourced from phyla such as Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes, endophytes exhibit remarkable adaptation to contaminated sites. Despite challenges including limited metal bioavailability, slow plant growth and potential risks of food chain contamination, endophyte-assisted phytoremediation represents a cost-effective and eco-friendly strategy for the restoration of polluted agricultural, industrial and urban environments. Integrating this biotechnological approach into environmental management policies holds significant promise for advancing sustainable ecosystem restoration.