Mushroom as a Product and Their Role in Mycoremediation

Author: mycolabadmin
2014-04-01
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Summary

This research examines how mushrooms can be used both as food and as a natural way to clean up environmental pollution. Mushrooms can break down various types of waste while producing edible fruiting bodies rich in protein. However, care must be taken as some mushrooms may absorb harmful substances when grown on contaminated materials. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides a sustainable way to produce protein-rich food from waste materials – Offers natural solutions for environmental cleanup of polluted sites – Creates potential new food sources while reducing waste accumulation – Helps develop safer methods for mushroom cultivation on various substrates – Contributes to more sustainable waste management practices

Background

Mushrooms have traditionally been used for consumption due to their flavor and protein content. They are also emerging as an important tool for mycoremediation – the use of fungi to remove pollutants from the environment. Mushrooms possess enzymatic machinery capable of degrading various pollutants and substrates while simultaneously producing edible fruiting bodies. However, in some cases mushrooms can absorb toxicants through biosorption, making them unsuitable for consumption.

Objective

This review aims to examine the current status and achievements of mycoremediation technology using mushroom cultivation for waste remediation while also highlighting the importance of mushrooms as consumable products. The review specifically focuses on evaluating the safety aspects of mushrooms cultivated on waste materials.

Results

Mushrooms demonstrate significant potential for waste remediation through multiple mechanisms including enzymatic degradation of pollutants, metal biosorption, and conversion of waste into protein-rich biomass. Different mushroom species show varying abilities in terms of biodegradation capacity and pollutant absorption. Some species can reduce toxicity through degradation while others may concentrate pollutants through biosorption. The success of mycoremediation depends on mushroom species selection, pollutant accessibility, and environmental conditions.

Conclusion

Mushroom cultivation for mycoremediation offers a dual benefit of waste treatment and protein-rich food production. However, careful species selection and safety assessment is crucial as some mushrooms may concentrate toxicants. Further research is needed to optimize mycoremediation processes while ensuring safety of mushrooms intended for consumption.

Published in:AMB Express,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.1186/s13568-014-0029-8