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Bioaccumulation and Physiological Changes in the Fruiting Body of Agaricus bisporus (Large) Sing in Response to Cadmium

Summary

This research investigated how common button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) can absorb and process toxic cadmium from contaminated soil. The study found that these mushrooms can survive in highly contaminated soil and effectively accumulate cadmium, particularly in their caps, while developing natural defense mechanisms to protect themselves from the metal’s toxic effects. This discovery has important implications for environmental cleanup efforts. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides a natural solution for cleaning up contaminated soil in industrial areas – Demonstrates potential for safer and more cost-effective environmental remediation methods – Helps understand how mushrooms can be used in environmental protection – Shows promise for developing sustainable waste management solutions – Contributes to safer food production by understanding how mushrooms handle toxic metals

Background

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic trace metallic elements for living organisms and its accumulation in the environment is a worldwide concern. While physical and chemical remediation processes are costly and risk secondary pollution, bioremediation through macrofungi presents a promising alternative approach. Many macrofungi can effectively absorb and accumulate heavy metals in their fruiting bodies, with advantages over plants including shorter life cycles and better adjustment ability.

Objective

To investigate the bioremediation potential of Agaricus bisporus with Cd and examine the effect of Cd on the physiological and biochemical functions of fruiting bodies, with a view toward possible use of this mushroom for bioremediation of Cd-contaminated soil. The study focused on tolerance response by A. bisporus to different contents of Cd in the closed cup and flat stage of fruiting body development.

Results

The study found that Cd accumulated more in the cap than stipe of A. bisporus, with the highest content being 18.38 mg/kg dry weight at closed cup stage under 414.28 mg/kg Cd stress. High Cd content stress increased soluble protein, proline, and malonaldehyde contents at both stages. Higher peroxidase, catalase, ascorbic acid peroxidase activities, and LMWOAs contents were recorded specifically at the closed cup stage. Superoxide dismutase activities and soluble sugar content showed complex trends.

Conclusion

A. bisporus demonstrated ability to tolerate high Cd content up to 414.28 mg/kg and successfully accumulate Cd. The fungus modulates its metabolism through protein and sugar metabolism, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, and LMWOAs to avoid destructive effects of Cd stress. The results indicate A. bisporus has potential as a hyperaccumulator for remediating Cd-contaminated soils during its short bioaccumulation lifetime.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research Study,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-022-24561-3
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