WP 3 | Testing of new AMF plant systems in Burkina Faso

Leading partner: University of Hohenheim, Institute 490e
Contributing partners: WASCAL, INERA

Work Package 3

is responsible for scientific project co-ordination and co-ordination of work in Burkina Faso. The aim of the work package is to understand the ecological mechanisms of phytoremediation by AMF plant systems by means of quantifiable phytoextraction and to investigate Hg distribution patterns in plants and soils.

Work Package 3 Research objectives:
  • Identification of suitable plants for mycophytoremediation (based on WP1 and WP2 studies in Ghana and preliminary work of African partners, factor legume type)
  • Characterization of climate conditions, soil properties and analysis of the presence of Hg in soil and plants: finding the environmental factors controlling the abundance of AMF and its tolerance to Hg.
  • Determining the effect of local climate and soil conditions on newly developed AMF plant systems and the success of mycophytoremediation.
  • Modelling of plant uptake of Hg and efficiency of mycophyto extraction

WP 4 | Evaluation of AMF plant systems for Hg extraction in Ghana

Leading partner: University of Hohenheim, Institute 340f
Contributing partners: CSIR-CRI, Ghana, University of Hohenheim, Institute 490e

Work Package 4:

Work Package 4 is concentrating its research on the humid climates in Ghana .The objective of WP 4 is to identify suitable mercury hyperaccumulators which can be used to improve soil fertility and make former mining sites re-usable for agriculture. Plant physiological and biochemical processes relating to Hg-exposition and detoxification will be investigated in pot experiments at the University of Hohenheim. Furthermore, identified hyperaccumulators will be inoculated with AMF with the objective to improve mercury accumulation.

 

Work Package 4 Research objectives:
  • Investigating of Hg acquisition strategies and selection of hyperaccumulators
  • Investigating Plant physiological reactions to Hg exposure
  • Improving soil fertility of Hg sites
  • Evaluate various AMF-plant-systems according to their ability to clean up mercury contaminated soils
  • Risk assessment of food crops on Hg sites

Trace element uptake strategies of plants according to Baker (1981)