Effects of EDDS and plant-growth-promoting bacteria on plant uptake of trace metals and PCBs from e-waste-contaminated soil

The present study investigated the effects of the biodegradable chelant S,S-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS) and the plant-growth-promoting bacterium DGS6 on pollutant uptake by corn from e-waste-contaminated soils. The highest concentration and total uptake of Cu and Zn in corn shoots were observed in the presence of EDDS and DGS6 + EDDS, respectively. The ΣPCB concentrations in shoots ranged from 0.53 to 0.72 ng g−1, and the highest PCB concentration was observed in the presence of EDDS. This could be ascribed to the enhanced dissolved organic carbon, increased dissolution and efficient translocation of PCBs from roots to shoots, as well as potential root damage due to increased soluble metal levels in soil solution. In contrast, the highest total uptake of PCBs in shoots was observed in the presence of DGS6, likely due to enhanced shoot biomass and high levels of air deposition.