Rohan Padsalgikar

In cold climates, rock salt (NaCl) is often employed to combat icy conditions for drivers and pedestrians. However the prolonged use of these chemicals has had tremendous externalities on immediate soil and groundwater contamination. Thus, it is imperative to seek methods of mitigation and remediation to prevent further harm. One potential solution in this regard is phytoremediation, where endophytic fungi are paired with plants to promote salt uptake. Here, endophytic fungi isolates were screened from prairie sunflowers(Helianthus petiolaris) obtained from various roadside areas in the greater Minneapolis/St Paul area. Fungi was further screened for salt tolerance by adding increasing levels of salt to media, and eliminating those strains with impeded growth. From this, 4 screened fungal strains(arbitrarily named) as well as 2 store bought strains were selected and inoculated into salt-stressed soil of turf and wheat grass. Once the biomass was harvested, it was digested with acid and analyzed for sodium and chloride levels through ion chromatography. Here, it was found that 3 strains(SFR G, SFR B, and P. brevicompactum) assisted in chloride uptake.