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Exploring metal bioaccumulation ability of boreal white-rot fungi on fiberbank material

Summary

This study examined how different types of fungi can absorb toxic metals from polluted sediments in the Baltic Sea caused by old paper mills. Researchers tested 26 native Swedish fungi species and found that Phlebia tremellosa was especially effective at absorbing various toxic metals like zinc, cadmium, and copper. These findings suggest that fungi could be used as a natural way to clean up contaminated waterways, offering a sustainable solution to an environmental problem affecting Nordic countries.

Background

Fiberbanks are organic-rich sediment deposits formed from historical pulp and paper mill activities in aquatic environments, particularly in Sweden and the Baltic Sea. These deposits are contaminated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, and lead that pose significant environmental and health risks through leaching into surrounding waters.

Objective

To evaluate the bioaccumulation capacities of 26 native Swedish white-rot fungi (WRF) species for remediation of potentially toxic elements in fiberbank material collected from Sundsvall Bay in the Baltic Sea.

Results

Significant variability in PTE uptake was observed among fungal species (p < 0.001). Phlebia tremellosa consistently demonstrated the highest bioconcentration factors for most elements, with BCF values of 0.39 for V, 0.10 for Cr, 1.81 for Co, 1.54 for Cu, 1.65 for Pb, 1.28 for Ni, 0.83 for As, 3.61 for Zn, and 5.56 for Cd. Other species including Laetiporus sulphureus, Hymenochaete tabacina, and Diplomitoporus crustulinus also showed significant bioremediation potential.

Conclusion

Native white-rot fungi, particularly Phlebia tremellosa, demonstrate exceptional potential for bioremediation of multiple PTEs from fiberbank materials. These findings provide a foundation for mycoremediation strategies in contaminated aquatic environments, though further research on large-scale deployment, bioengineering optimization, and metal-laden biomass disposal is needed.
  • Published in:Bioengineered,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/21655979.2025.2507539, PMID: 40418047
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