Uncovering the mechanisms of how corn steep liquor and microbial communities minimize cadmium translocation in Chinese cabbage

Corn steep liquor-assisted microbial remediation has been proposed as a promising strategy to remediate cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil. In this study, we determined Bacillus subtilis (K2) with a high cadmium (Cd) accumulation ability and Cd resistance. However, studies on this strategy used in the Cd uptake of Chinese cabbage are lacking, and the effect of the combined incorporation of corn steep liquor and K2 on the functions and microbial interactions of soil microbiomes is unclear. Here, we study the Cd uptake and transportation in Chinese cabbage by the combination of K2 and corn steep liquor (K2 + C7) in a Cd-contaminated soil and corresponding microbial regulation mechanisms. Results showed that compared to inoculant K2 treatment alone, a reduction of Cd concentration in the shoots by 14.4% and the dry weight biomass of the shoots and the roots in Chinese cabbage increased by 21.6% and 30.8%, respectively, under K2 + C7 treatment. Meanwhile, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were decreased by enhancing POD and SOD activity, thereby reversing Cd-induced oxidative damage. Importantly, inoculation of K2 would decrease the diversity of the microbial community while enhancing the abundance of dominant species. These findings provide a promising strategy for reducing the Cd accumulation in Chinese cabbage and recovering soil ecological functions.