EXPLORATION OF ENDOMYCORRHIZAL FUNGUS IN AREAS CONTAMINATED WITH HEAVY METAL

Environmental researchers have focused themselves on the use of an endomycorrhizal fungus that is able to adapt and are resistant to environments contaminated with heavy metals for Phytorhizoremediation activities. The aim of the study was to explore Endomycorrhizal fungus from areas contaminated with heavy metals to be used as starter biological agents in the phytorhizoremediation program. This research was carried out in two phases, i.e., rhizosphere sampling of Polypodium glycyrrhiza, Sumasang sp (local name) and Spathoglottis plicata at Sumasang I. Rhizosphere of Chromolaena odorata, Melastama affine and Nephrolepis exaltata at Sumasang II, Sorowako, Indonesia; While the other phase is isolating and identifying Endomycorrhizal spores in the Microbiology Laboratory, Research and Development Center for Environment and Forestry in Makassar, Indonesia. The results showed that three genera of endomycoriza were able to adapt and resistant in areas contaminated with Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, and Cu, i.e., 60.15% Acaulospora sp; 26.98% Gigaspora sp and 11.21% Glomus sp, which can be used as symbionts for endemic plants in the phytorhizore mediation program which is faster, cheaper and easier.