Lead immobilization and bioavailability in microbial and root interface

► Phosphate solubilizing bacteria successfully colonized plant roots. ► Phosphate solubilizing bacteria increased water soluble P concentration in soil. ► Phosphate solubilizing bacteria and phosphate rock immobilized Pb. ► Phosphate solubilizing bacteria with phosphate rock reduced Pb uptake by plants. ► Phosphate solubilizing bacteria slowly released P to immobilize Pb without causing P leaching.