PHYTOREMEDIATION POTENTIAL OF RHODODENDRON MAXIMUM'S MYCORRHIZAL MUTUALISM

A common evergreen shrub of Pennsylvania, the Rhododendron maximum forms a mutualistic relationship with ericoid mycorrhizae (ErF) in which R. maximum receives tolerance assistance and nutrient/metal uptake from ErF while ErF receives moisture and organic matter resources from R. maximum. ErF is fungi specific to the Ericaceae family and this relationship has been utilized as an effective tool in heavy metal phytoremediation; however, studies on organic pollutant phytoremediation are sparse. Regarding agricultural and nutrient runoff, R. maximum and ErF may remediate Pennsylvanian ecosystems experiencing eutrophication.

This investigation focused on soil samples that were collected along three riparian areas: Conemaugh, Little Conemaugh, and Little Conemaugh South Fork of the Conemaugh-Kiski watershed. The Conemaugh-Kiski watershed is in the Laurel Highlands of Southwest Pennsylvania. This area is known historically for agriculture, steel, and coal industry. Soils were tested for phosphorous, nitrite nitrogen, and ammonia levels. While nitrogen and ammonia levels remained low across all sites, phosphorous levels were lowest in the presence of R. maximum, but nitrite was higher. Further sampling should be conducted for the effects on phosphorous and nitrogen uptake and storage.