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Using Fungi in Artificial Microbial Consortia to Solve Bioremediation Problems

Summary

This review explores how combinations of fungi and other microorganisms can clean up polluted soil and water more effectively than using individual microbes alone. Fungi are particularly valuable because they produce powerful enzymes that can break down toxic substances like heavy metals, dyes, pesticides, and plastics. By carefully designing microbial teams and sometimes immobilizing them in gels or on materials, scientists can achieve much higher removal rates of pollutants while maintaining environmental safety.

Background

Artificial microbial consortia are increasingly used for bioremediation of contaminated environments. Fungi possess unique enzymatic capabilities and can function in diverse conditions, making them valuable components of mixed microbial systems designed to treat soil and water contaminated with various pollutants.

Objective

This review analyzes recent achievements in artificial microbial consortia containing fungal cells for environmental bioremediation. It evaluates consortium composition preferences, immobilized versus suspended forms, the role of genetically modified cells, and the effects of multicomponent consortia on pollutant removal efficacy.

Results

The review demonstrates that fungal consortia effectively remove heavy metals (70-97% efficiency), decolorize dyes (88-100% efficiency), degrade pesticides (61-99% efficiency), and degrade PAHs (61-100% efficiency). Immobilized consortia and those containing genetically modified strains showed enhanced performance. Multicomponent consortia generally outperformed individual strains due to synergistic metabolic effects.

Conclusion

Artificial microbial consortia containing fungi represent a promising approach for environmental bioremediation. Careful consortium design combining fungi with complementary metabolic capabilities, optimization of immobilization strategies, and selective use of genetically modified strains can significantly improve pollutant removal efficacy while maintaining ecological compatibility.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 38543521
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