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Mycofiltration of Aqueous Iron (III) and Imidacloprid Solutions, and the Effects of the Filtrates on Selected Biomarkers of the Freshwater Snail Helisoma duryi

Summary

Researchers investigated using oyster mushroom mycelium to filter contaminated water containing iron and pesticides. They found that the mushroom-based filter effectively removed iron (III) from water, reducing it by 94% in column experiments. Tests on freshwater snails exposed to the filtered water showed improved water quality. This approach offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional water treatment methods.

Background

Water contamination from heavy metals and pesticides poses environmental and health risks. Mycofiltration is an environment-friendly bioremediation technology using saprophytic fungal mycelium to treat contaminated water. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Pleurotus ostreatus mycofilter for removing iron (III) and imidacloprid from aqueous solutions.

Objective

To assess the removal efficiency of iron (III) and imidacloprid using Pleurotus ostreatus mycofilter through batch and column mycofiltration experiments. Additionally, to evaluate water quality improvement by measuring catalase and acetylcholinesterase biomarker responses in freshwater snails exposed to mycofiltered and non-mycofiltered solutions.

Results

Batch mycofiltration achieved iron (III) removal rates up to 85%, with optimal removal at pH 7. Column mycofiltration showed 94% iron (III) removal and 31% imidacloprid removal. Catalase activity was significantly reduced in snails exposed to mycofiltered media compared to non-mycofiltered media. Acetylcholinesterase activity increased significantly in snails exposed to mycofiltered iron (III) but showed no significant difference with imidacloprid.

Conclusion

Pleurotus ostreatus mycofilter demonstrated selectivity in contaminant removal, with superior efficiency for iron (III) compared to imidacloprid. Mycofiltration improved water quality as evidenced by reduced catalase activities in exposed snails. The mycofilter’s effectiveness and non-saturation over extended periods suggest potential for practical field applications in circum-neutral pH water bodies.
  • Published in:Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s00244-023-01049-3, PMID: 38329490
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