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Cadmium and Lead Tolerance of Filamentous Fungi Isolated from Contaminated Mining Soils

Summary

Researchers found several types of fungi thriving in extremely contaminated mining soils in Mexico. These fungi can survive in environments with toxic levels of lead and cadmium that would kill most organisms. The most promising fungus, Paecilomyces lilacinus, can tolerate both metals and could potentially be used to clean up heavily polluted mining sites by binding and immobilizing these dangerous metals in the soil.

Background

Heavy metal contamination from mining activities, particularly cadmium and lead, poses significant environmental and health risks. Filamentous fungi isolated from contaminated soils can develop tolerance mechanisms and potentially immobilize metals, making them candidates for bioremediation strategies in mining-affected regions.

Objective

To isolate, identify, and characterize filamentous fungi from mining-contaminated soils in Concepción del Oro, Zacatecas, Mexico, and evaluate their tolerance to cadmium and lead at high concentrations, including determination of half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values.

Results

Six fungal isolates demonstrated high tolerance to cadmium and/or lead. Penicillium simplicissimum showed exceptional lead tolerance (IC50: 3874 mg/L), while Paecilomyces lilacinus exhibited dual tolerance to both metals (Cd IC50: 311 mg/L; Pb IC50: 1176 mg/L). Other tolerant species included Rhizopus microsporus, Fusarium oxysporum, and Cunninghamella sp., with IC50 values exceeding previously reported levels for these species.

Conclusion

Native fungal strains from mining-contaminated soils have developed effective adaptation strategies for heavy metal tolerance, with several isolates showing significantly higher tolerance than previously documented. These findings suggest potential for biotechnological applications in bioremediation of multi-metal-contaminated soils, particularly Paecilomyces lilacinus due to its dual metal tolerance.
  • Published in:Biology (Basel),
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/biology14060688, PMID: 40563939
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