Exploration and Potential Test of Fungi Remediator of Lead and Cadmium in Shallot Cultivation in Brebes Regency

¹ Jenderal Soedirman University, Faculty of Agriculture, Laboratory of Agroecology, 53122 Purwokerto, Indonesia
² Jenderal Soedirman University, Faculty of Agriculture, Laboratory of Plant Protection, 53122 Purwokerto, Indonesia
³ Jenderal Soedirman University, Master of Agricultural Biotechnology Program, 53122 Purwokerto, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: okti.herliana@unsoed.ac.id

Abstract

Fungi have the ability to convert toxic substances into simple substances that are environmentally friendly. This study aims to explore and identify fungi in shallots rhizosphere in Brebes Regency, to test the ability of fungi from exploration in remediation of lead and cadmium contamination, and to test the effect of fungi applications on the growth of rice seeds. The collected isolates were macroscopically and microscopically identified. The fungal resistance was tested in the PDA media with concentrations of Pb and Cd in 5, 10, 25, and 50 ppm. The remediation capability was assessed using the Randomize Complete Design in 100 to 200 ppm of Pb and 25 to 50 ppm of Cd. The effect of fungi applications on rice seeds was tested in vitro. The study has found seven fungi isolates from four different genera, namely, Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Penicillium, & Curvularia. The seven fungi are known to be resistant to all concentrations of Pb and Cd. The results of the heavy metal remediation ability test by selected fungi obtained the highest weight E value of 30%, 24%, & 38% on Pb metals and 71%, 73%, & 75% on Cd metals and potentially as bioremediation agents of Pb and Cd.