The increasing expansion of mines, factories, and agricultural lands has caused many changes and pollution in soils and water of several parts of the world. In recent years, metal(loid)s are one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants, which directly and indirectly enters the food cycle of humans and animals, resulting in irreparable damage to their health and even causing their death. One of the most important missions of ecologists and environmental scientists is to find suitable solutions to reduce metal(loid)s pollution and prevent their spread and penetration in soil and groundwater. In recent years, phytoremediation was considered a cheap and effective solution to reducing metal(loid)s pollution in soil and water. Additionally, the effect of soil microorganisms on increasing phytoremediation was given special attention; therefore, this study attempted to investigate the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus in the phytoremediation system and in reducing contamination by some metal(loid)s in order to put a straightforward path in front of other researchers.

Plant stress is one of the biggest threats to crops, causing irreparable damage to farmers’ incomes; Therefore, finding suitable, affordable, and practical solutions will help the agricultural economy and prevent the loss of millions of tons of agricultural products. Scientists have taken significant steps toward improving farm productivity in the last few decades by discovering how beneficial soil microorganisms enhance plant resistance to environmental stresses. Among these microorganisms is Serendipita indica, which the benefits of coexisting this fungus with plant roots have been extensively explored in recent years. By investigating fungus specification and its effects on plants’ morphological, physiological, and molecular traits, the present study seeks to understand how Serendipita indica affects plant resistance to salinity and drought conditions. Furthermore, this study attempts to identify the unknown mechanisms of action of the coexistence of Serendipita indica with plants in the face of stress using information from previous studies. Thus, it provides a way for future research to assess the impact of this fungus on tackling environmental stresses and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Rice is an essential part of the human diet in most parts of the world; On the other hand, the industrialization of societies has led to pollution of the environment, including heavy metal contamination of soil and water, which negatively affects rice production and quality. Therefore, finding ways to increase the yield and quality of this strategic crop seems essential. Several studies have been conducted in recent decades to find effective and inexpensive solutions to reduce the adverse effects of heavy metals in rice fields. Due to the negative effect of cadmium pollution on rice quality and yield, the current study aimed to investigate cadmium absorption and transfer mechanisms in rice (from absorption by roots to loading in grains), and its effects on rice morphology, physiology, and biochemistry (such as biomass, nutrient absorption, antioxidant defenses). Also, rice’s natural mechanisms for detoxifying cadmium were discussed. This study also intended to identify the absorption and transfer pathways of silicon and selenium in rice, their roles in improving rice structures, and their antagonistic effects on reducing cadmium stress (absorption, transport, and toxicity of cadmium).