Bioremediation potential of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to counteract Arsenite-induced phytotoxicity in Solanum lycopersicum cultivated within a contaminated agroecosystem.

This article investigates the potential of the arsenite (AsIII)-tolerant bacterium *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* VS3, isolated from contaminated soil in Gujarat, India, to mitigate arsenite toxicity in agricultural soils and promote growth of *Solanum lycopersicum* (tomato) under AsIII stress. The strain produces biofilms, exopolysaccharides (EPS), and plant growth-promoting phytohormones such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellins, and can solubilize silicon (Si), which collectively contribute to its ability to oxidize toxic AsIII to the less toxic arsenate (AsV) with 51% efficiency. Field trials demonstrated that inoculation with *P. aeruginosa* VS3 reduced arsenic accumulation in tomato roots, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, and improved plant growth parameters under arsenite stress. These findings highlight the bacterium's promise as a bioremediation agent for arsenic-contaminated soils and as a bio-inoculant to support sustainable agriculture in heavy metal-polluted environments.