The Effects of Combined Use of Glomus versiforme and Steel Slag on the Growth and Cd/Pb Accumulation of Zea mays

A greenhouse pot experiment was performed to assess the effects of using Glomus versiforme and steel slag independently and in combination on the growth and Cd/Pb accumulation of maize (Tianfeng 6) grown in Cd- and Pb-amended soils. The soils used in the pot experiment were amended with 1 mg/kg Cd and 75 mg/kg Pb, 2 mg/kg Cd and 150 mg/kg Pb, 4 mg/kg Cd and 300 mg/kg Pb, respectively. The experimental treatments included no Glomus versiforme/no Steel Slag (control), Glomus versiforme inoculation(Gv), Steel Slag addition (SS), and the combined use of Glomus versiforme and Steel Slag (Gv+SS). The Gv had no impact on soil pH and soil DTPA-Cd and Pb, but SS and Gv+SS significantly increased soil pH and reduced the concentrations of soil DTPA-Cd and Pb. Moreover, Gv and Gv+SS significantly increased the concentrations of easily extractable glomalin-related soil protein (EE-GRSP) and total glomalin-related soil protein (T-GRSP). Independent and combined use of Gv and SS significantly promoted P contents and growth of maize, and the highest increases of biomasses were observed in the combined use. Furthermore, Gv significantly increased Cd/Pb concentrations in the shoots of maize, but the SS and Gv+ SS significantly reduced Cd/Pb concentrations in the shoots and roots of maize and more pronounced effect were observed in the combined utilization. In conclusion, the combined use of Gv and SS improved maize growth and reduced Cd/Pb accumulation in the shoots and roots of maize via elevating soil pH and the contents of soil T-GRSP and reducing the concentrations of soil DTPA-Cd/Pb.