MEPS

Marine Ecology Progress Series

MEPS is a leading hybrid research journal on all aspects of marine, coastal and estuarine ecology. Priority is given to outstanding research that advances our ecological understanding.

Online: ISSN 1616-1599

Print: ISSN 0171-8630

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps

Impact Factor2.1 (JCR 2025 release)

Article Acceptance Rate52.2% (2024)

Average Time in Review216 days (2024)

Total Annual Downloads2.962.044 (2025)

Volume contents
Mar Ecol Prog Ser 746:17-33 (2024)

Isolation and characterization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from eelgrass Zostera marina rhizosphere: implications for bioremediation

ABSTRACT: Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) play a crucial role in enhancing plant growth. However, investigations into the presence and function of PGPR in seagrass rhizospheres remain relatively limited. In this study, we isolated 45 strains of PGPR from Zostera marina rhizospheres and assessed their functional attributes. Additionally, we evaluated the performance of these candidate strains under varying environmental conditions, such as temperature, salinity, and pH. Out of the 45 analyzed strains, 6 were found to possess the nifH gene; some strains also exhibited the ability to solubilize inorganic phosphorus, with dissolved phosphorus content ranging widely from 14.6 to 393.9 mg l-1. Eleven strains demonstrated indole-3-acetic acid production, with yields spanning from 16.3 to 42.8 mg l-1. Siderophores and ammoniated proteins were produced by 32 and 20 strains, respectively. Notably, 5 PGPR strains (F65, G84, G85, G86, and I109) displayed multiple growth-promoting properties along with strong adaptability to a wide range of physicochemical conditions. This study highlights the potential reservoir of PGPR in the eelgrass rhizosphere and provides significant implications for utilizing these bacteria to enhance the success rate of restoring degraded seagrass meadows.

KEYWORDS

Jie Sun (Co-author)

  • Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, PR China
  • Joint Research Center for Conservation, Restoration & Sustainable Utilization of Marine Ecology, Ocean University of China-China State Shipbuilding Corporation Environmental Development Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266100, PR China

Yan-Hao Zhang (Co-author)

  • Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, PR China
  • Joint Research Center for Conservation, Restoration & Sustainable Utilization of Marine Ecology, Ocean University of China-China State Shipbuilding Corporation Environmental Development Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266100, PR China

Xiang Zhao (Co-author)

  • Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, PR China
  • Joint Research Center for Conservation, Restoration & Sustainable Utilization of Marine Ecology, Ocean University of China-China State Shipbuilding Corporation Environmental Development Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266100, PR China

Wen-Jie Yan (Co-author)

  • Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, PR China
  • Joint Research Center for Conservation, Restoration & Sustainable Utilization of Marine Ecology, Ocean University of China-China State Shipbuilding Corporation Environmental Development Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266100, PR China

Wen-Tao Li (Co-author)

  • Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, PR China
  • Joint Research Center for Conservation, Restoration & Sustainable Utilization of Marine Ecology, Ocean University of China-China State Shipbuilding Corporation Environmental Development Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266100, PR China

Pei-Dong Zhang (Corresponding Author)

  • Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266003, PR China
  • Joint Research Center for Conservation, Restoration & Sustainable Utilization of Marine Ecology, Ocean University of China-China State Shipbuilding Corporation Environmental Development Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266100, PR China
zhangpdsg@ouc.edu.cn