Pseudometallophytes colonising Pb/Zn mine tailings: A description of the plant-microorganism-rhizosphere soil system and isolation of metal-tolerant bacteria

► The plant-microorganism-soil system of three pseudometallophytes was described. ► An efficient metal excluding population of Festuca rubra was identified. ► Metal-tolerant bacteria with potential use in phytoremediation were isolated. ► Five rhizobacterial strains enhanced the growth of two contrasting plant species. ► Biomass enhancement by PGP bacteria could improve phytoremediation efficiency.