Evaluating Bacillus safensis for phytoremediation and growth promotion of coriander under mixed water irrigation

Sewage water, which is generally used for irrigation due to a shortage of freshwater, contains harmful contaminants that harm human health and the environment. Particularly heavy metal-resistant bacteria, including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), can reduce metal uptake in crops while enhancing growth and yield. Keeping in view the above scenario, a pot trial was conducted to investigate the potential of Bacillus safensis along sewage water irrigation to overcome the problem of water scarcity and also to improve the growth of leafy vegetables. The experiment was conducted with six treatments along with three replications, inoculation with Bacillus safensis. After 12 weeks, the plant was harvested, and parameters regarding growth and physiological attributes were measured. Inoculation of Bacillus safensis with sewage water improved shoot and root length (10.69%, 21.09%), shoot fresh and dry weight (15.85%, 18.23%), root fresh and dry weight (13.78%, 9.56%), chlorophyll a, b (6.11%, 5.26%), the surface area of the leaf and root (5.93%,11.01) was observed as compared to uninoculated condition. Furthermore, Bacillus safensis showed the potential to reduce heavy metal accumulation in crops.