Contributed by Ben Clabaugh, Senior Project Manager, PPM Consultants
No, not that kind of mushroom magic! While some fungi are famous for their mind-bending properties, this is about a totally different kind of trip – a journey into the fascinating world of mycoremediation.
Forget about tie-dye and trippy visuals; we’re going underground—literally—to explore the hidden world of mycelium. These intricate networks of fungal threads are like nature’s grand recycling system, breaking down organic matter with remarkable efficiency. Imagine a vast, interconnected web of fungal threads, spreading through soil and wood, diligently decomposing everything from fallen leaves to stubborn pollutants. That’s the power of mycelium!
One compelling example is the use of oyster mushrooms to remediate soil contaminated with diesel and oil. In a groundbreaking experiment, researchers witnessed a dramatic transformation. A lifeless, black pile of contaminated soil, treated with oyster mushroom mycelium, sprouted a vibrant flush of mushrooms[1].
Within weeks, the soil had turned a healthy brown color, the oily diesel smell was gone, and the concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons had plummeted from 20,000 ppm to less than 200 ppm. Insects, birds, and plants soon followed, turning the once-polluted site into a thriving ecosystem.
But the magic of mushrooms doesn’t stop there. Other researchers have discovered that certain fungi can break down a wide range of pollutants, including:
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of chemicals that are formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, garbage, or other organic substances like tobacco or charbroiled meat. A study in 2002 found that mycoremediation was effective in treating PAH-contaminated soil[2],[3].
- Harmful pesticides like DDT, a persistent chemical that was widely used but later banned due to its environmental impact. A 2015 study found that the fungus Phanerochaete velutina degraded 80% of TNT in contaminated soil in just 2.5 months[4].
- DEHP, a common plasticizer found in PVC, which poses risks to human health, particularly in the early stages of development. Research in India in 2012 demonstrated that three types of mycelial fungi, working together, could remediate over 99% of DEHP from PVC blood storage bags. This process left behind only PVC, which could be recycled, highlighting the efficiency and eco-friendliness of mycoremediation[5],[6].
- PCBs, man-made cancer-causing chemicals that were once widely used in electrical equipment, but were banned in the U.S. in 1979 due to concerns about their toxicity. Studies have shown that certain fungal species, like Pleurotus ostreatus, can effectively break down PCBs in contaminated soil[8].
- Mycofiltration, a specific application of mycoremediation, takes this pollution-busting power to the water. By strategically placing mycelium in filters or barriers, researchers have effectively removed heavy metals[9], PCBs, fertilizer nutrients, and fecal coliform bacteria from runoff[10], protecting clean water sources and sensitive ecosystems.
One particular area of intense interest is the use of fungi to address emerging contaminant threats, such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), aka the “Forever Chemicals.” PFAS are a group of synthetic compounds used in a wide range of products, from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam. These chemicals are extremely persistent in the environment, and exposure has been linked to various health problems. And the same characteristics that make PFAS last so long are the same things that make them difficult and expensive to clean up.
Recent research has shown that certain fungal species can break down PFAS. A 2021 study at the University of Minnesota is testing a variety of fungal species for their ability to degrade PFAS[11], and a 2022 study published in Nature Communications described a new approach using plant-based materials to adsorb PFAS and microbial fungi to break down the adsorbed contaminants[12]. This technology was shown to effectively remove PFAS from water, as well as heavy metals and other organic pollutants.
While mycoremediation holds immense promise, it’s essential to acknowledge its limitations and address concerns about the safe disposal of potentially toxic mycelium. Ongoing research is crucial to unlocking the full potential of this fascinating technology for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
So, the next time you spot a mushroom, remember that there’s more to these fascinating organisms than meets the eye. They hold a hidden power, a kind of “magic” that could help us heal our planet and create a brighter, cleaner world for generations to come.
[1] Thomas, S., Becker, P., Finza, M.R., & Word, J.Q. (1998). Mycoremediation of Aged Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminants in Soil. (PNNL-12056). Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Sequim, WA.
[2] Bhatt, M., et al. (2002). Mycoremediation of PAH-Contaminated Soil. Folia Microbiologica, 47(3):255-258.
[3] Leonardi, V., et al. (2007). Bioavailability modication and fungal biodegradation of PAHs in aged industrial soils. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, 60(3):165-170.
[4] Anasonye, F., et al. (2015). Bioremediation of TNT contaminated soil with fungi under laboratory and pilot scale conditions. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, 105:7-12
[5] Pradeep, S. & Benjamin, S. (2012). Mycelial fungi completely remediate di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, the hazardous plasticizer in PVC blood storage bag. Journal of Hazardous Material, 235-236:69-77.
[6] Tickner, J., et al. (2001). Health risks posed by use of Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in PVC medical devices: A critical review. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 39(1):100-111
[7] Hernández-Sánchez, B., Santacruz-Juárez, E., Figueroa-Martínez, F. et al. A novel and efficient strategy for the biodegradation of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate by Fusarium culmorum. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 108, 94 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-023-12961-y
[8] Chun, S.C., Muthu, M., Hasan, N., Tasneem, S., & Gopal, J. (2019). Mycoremediation of PCBs by Pleurotus ostreatus: Possibilities and Prospects. Applied Sciences, 9(19), 4185. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9194185
[9] Sarwar, A., Nayyar, B.G., Irshad, H., Anwar, P., Olih, N., & Ajmal, M. (2023). Mycofiltration of Heavy Metals (Pb, Cd, Hg) from Aqueous Solution by Living Biomass of Two Mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus and Agaricus bisporus as Biosorbents. Journal of Water Chemistry and Technology, 45(6), 599–606. https://doi.org/10.3103/S1063455X23060097
[10] Sen, K., Llewellyn, M., Taheri, B., Turner, R.J., Berglund, T., & Maloney, K. (2023). Mechanism of fungal remediation of wetland water: Stropharia rugosoannulata as promising fungal species for the development of biofilters to remove clinically important pathogenic and antibiotic resistant bacteria in contaminated water. Frontiers in Microbiology, 14, 1234586. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1234586
[11] https://bbe.umn.edu/news/remediate-forever-chemicals
[12] https://factor.niehs.nih.gov/2022/9/science-highlights/pfas-remediation