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Impact of bottom ash addition on Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation on coffee ground substrate

Summary

Researchers studied how to grow oyster mushrooms using leftover coffee grounds mixed with coal ash as a growing medium. They found that adding small amounts of coal ash (1-5%) to coffee grounds actually improved the mushroom quality by reducing harmful heavy metals while keeping beneficial nutrients like phosphorus and zinc. This discovery suggests a promising way to recycle both industrial waste and food waste while producing safer, more nutritious mushrooms.

Background

Pleurotus ostreatus is the second most widely cultivated edible mushroom and can grow on agro-industrial waste. Spent coffee grounds are a suitable substrate for this species. Bottom ash from coal-fired power plants contains heavy metals and requires safe disposal.

Objective

To explore the potential use of coal-fired power plant bottom ashes in Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation using spent coffee grounds as substrate. To evaluate the accumulation of heavy elements in mushrooms grown on substrate with added bottom ash.

Results

Addition of 1% bottom ash did not affect mycelium growth but slowed fruiting body development by 4 days. At 5% addition, mycelium growth slowed by 6 days and fruiting bodies by 7 days. At 10%, growth was inhibited. Fruiting bodies from 1% bottom ash addition showed higher phosphorus, copper, and zinc accumulation with lower chromium, nickel, and lead levels.

Conclusion

Bottom ash addition at 1-5% shows promise for mushroom cultivation with reduced heavy metal accumulation compared to coffee grounds alone. Post-cultivation substrates exhibited improved nutrient profiles suitable as soil amendments. Further research is needed before large-scale implementation for human consumption.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-024-83434-z, PMID: 39738424
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