Mycoremediation: Sustainability and Fungi

Study Notes

Mycoremediation is a cutting-edge technology using fungi to clean up toxin-damaged environments.
Traditional methods like incineration are harmful to the environment and human health.
Micro and macrofungi degrade various pollutants (heavy metals, aromatic hydrocarbons, etc.) using extracellular enzymes.
Mycoremediation is crucial for achieving net-zero emissions in industrial contexts.
Fungi have broad substrate tolerance (sawdust, agricultural waste, straw) and high biosorption efficiency.
Ligninolytic enzymes are key to the mycoremediation process.

The rising demand for sustainable waste disposal methods has led to the re-evaluation of biological degradation.
Chemical and physical methods are inadequate and detrimental to the environment.
Mycoremediation addresses problems arising from the accumulation of various hazardous wastes in soil.
It involves using fungi to bioremediate (bioremediation) and clean up industrial and environmental waste products, pesticides, and e-waste.
Mycoremediation is eco-friendly and cost-effective compared to conventional methods and contributes to sustainability goals by transforming pollutants into harmless forms.
Fungi play a crucial role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and assisting in the bio-remediation process.

Bioremediation uses living organisms (bacteria, microbes) to decontaminate areas.
Fungi are more efficient due to their capacity to degrade harmful compounds.
Mycoremediation involves three processes: biodegradation, bioconversion, and biosorption.
Extra cellular enzymes (ex. peroxidases, cellulases, ligninases) are fundamental to the process.

Various heavy metals (Ag, Hg, Mn, Cu, Ni, Sb) are detrimental to ecosystems and human health.
Fungi like Pleurotus ostreatus are effective in remediating oil spills and absorbing heavy metals.
Mycelium uptake of heavy metals is a critical mechanism in mycoremediation.
Fungi present better properties than bacteria in bioremediation of heavy metals.

White rot fungi (WRFs) are exceptional lignin degraders, which can break down a variety of pollutants (herbicides, PCBs, organochlorines).
This is crucial in the bio-remediation of pollutants through the decomposition of lignin (a heterogeneous polyphenolic polymer).
WRFs are effective in removing toxic organic pollutants and are recognized for their lignin-degrading enzymes.

Lignin peroxidase (a glycated heme protein) facilitates oxidation of unsaturated compounds.
Manganese peroxidase and laccase are vital for recalcitrant lignin degradation.
These enzymes have diverse applications including decolorization of dyes, elimination of pollutants.

PAHs (e.g., phenanthrene, benzathine) are common pollutants arising from various processes (e.g., incomplete combustion of organic matter).
Fungi play a critical role in the biodegradation of PAHs through oxidation of aromatic rings and cleavage of long-chain hydrocarbons.
Specific applications of the fungi are reported for the remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, and other toxins.

Marine fungi exhibit tolerance to harsh environmental conditions (high pH, salinity).
Their resilience to extreme environments makes them suitable for contaminated marine habitats.
These fungi are effective in absorbing heavy metals, detoxifying pollutants.

Mycoremediation is a sustainable approach for cleaning polluted sites.
Further research is needed to improve understanding of fungal processes and their applications.

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