bioaccumulation – Page 3

Sorption of Heavy Metals (Pb, Cd, Co, and Zn) by Bacteria of the Genus Bacillus: An Investigation of the Ability and Consequences of Bioaccumulation

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Researchers studied how three types of beneficial Bacillus bacteria can remove heavy metals like lead, cadmium, zinc, and cobalt from contaminated environments. The bacteria were most effective at capturing lead, removing up to 53% of the metal from the medium. The study showed these bacteria could potentially be used as probiotic treatments to help remove toxic metals from the body or clean up polluted soil. Microscopic analysis revealed that the metals accumulate on the bacterial cell surface, causing slight changes in bacterial shape and size.

Heavy Metal Contamination and Risk Assessment in Soil–Wheat/Corn Systems near Metal Mining Areas in Northwestern China

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Mining operations in Jinchang City have contaminated farmland soils with dangerous levels of nickel, copper, and cobalt. These toxic metals accumulate in wheat and corn crops grown in the area, posing serious health risks—especially to children. The study found that children consuming these locally grown grains face significantly elevated health dangers, and the contaminated soils require immediate cleanup before farming can safely resume.

Microbial communities in petroleum refinery effluents and their complex functions

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Oil refineries produce large amounts of wastewater containing harmful petroleum products and heavy metals. Instead of using toxic chemical treatments, scientists are discovering that microorganisms naturally found in this wastewater—including bacteria, fungi, algae, and yeast—can break down these pollutants safely and effectively. These microbes can degrade oil hydrocarbons, remove heavy metals, and produce natural surfactants that help in the cleanup process, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution to refinery pollution.

Characterization of the Enzymatic and Biosorption Processes Involved in the Decolorization of Remazol Brilliant Blue R Dye by Pleurotus ostreatus Pellets

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Researchers used oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) pellets to remove toxic blue dye commonly found in textile wastewater. The study found that these mushroom pellets achieved 98.5% dye removal through multiple mechanisms: special enzymes (laccase and peroxidase) that break down the dye molecules, and physical absorption where the dye sticks to the mushroom cells. The mushroom could also use the dye as a food source, making this an effective and sustainable approach for cleaning industrial wastewater.

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

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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.

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

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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.

Mercury Content in Three Edible Wild-Growing Mushroom Species from Different Environmentally Loaded Areas in Slovakia: An Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment

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Researchers tested three types of edible mushrooms from 60 locations across Slovakia to measure their mercury content and potential health risks. Mushrooms grown in polluted soils, especially former mining areas, accumulated dangerous levels of mercury, particularly in the mushroom caps. The study found that while some mushroom species are safer than others, consuming mushrooms from contaminated areas could pose serious health risks to both adults and children.

Bibliometric analysis of European publications between 2001 and 2016 on concentrations of selected elements in mushrooms

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Researchers reviewed 200 European studies from 2001-2016 examining how mushrooms absorb heavy metals from soil. They found that mushrooms, especially edible species, can accumulate dangerous metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury, with the highest contamination in mushrooms from polluted industrial areas. Turkey, Poland, Spain, and Czech Republic led research efforts on this topic. Scientists increasingly used health risk assessment methods to determine safe consumption levels of mushrooms from different habitats.

Mycoremediation of azole antifungal agents using in vitro cultures of Lentinula edodes

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This research shows that shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) can help clean up antifungal medications that contaminate water and soil. When the mushroom mycelium was exposed to two common antifungal drugs used in creams and treatments, it absorbed and broke down these compounds. The mushrooms degraded about one-third of the drugs by targeting their chemical structure, particularly the imidazole ring. This suggests mushrooms could be used as a natural, cost-effective solution for removing pharmaceutical pollution from the environment.

Assessment of the Impact of Metals in Wild Edible Mushrooms from Dambovita County, Romania, on Human Health

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This study examined 18 types of wild mushrooms commonly eaten in Romania for their metal content and potential health risks. Researchers found that while mushrooms contain valuable nutrients like iron and zinc, some species accumulate toxic metals like lead and cadmium. Adults who eat these mushrooms generally face acceptable risks, but children are more vulnerable due to their smaller body size and higher food intake per kilogram of body weight.

Research Keyword: bioaccumulation