bioremediation – Page 14

Diversity and Ecology of Fungi from Underexplored and Extreme Environments

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This research paper highlights the remarkable diversity of fungi that thrive in some of Earth’s most challenging environments, from polluted soils and hypersaline lagoons to Arctic and Antarctic lakes. These fungi possess unique adaptations that allow them to survive extreme conditions and play important roles in plant health, pollution cleanup, and ecosystem resilience. The paper reviews multiple studies discovering new fungal species and understanding how fungi interact with their environments, offering potential applications for environmental remediation and sustainable agriculture.

Degradation of Extra-Heavy Crude Oil by Fungi Isolated from Hydrothermal Vents Fields in the Gulf of California

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Scientists discovered that certain fungi living in deep-sea hydrothermal vents can break down extra-heavy crude oil, a thick and difficult-to-treat form of petroleum. Among eight fungal species tested, Aspergillus sydowii was the most effective, degrading 40% of the crude oil in laboratory conditions. This research suggests these hardy deep-sea fungi could be used as a natural solution to clean up oil spills in extreme marine environments where traditional cleaning methods don’t work well.

Diversity and Ecology of Fungi from Underexplored and Extreme Environments

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This editorial discusses a special collection of studies exploring fungi that thrive in extreme and challenging environments around the world, from frozen Arctic lakes to salty lagoons and polluted soils. These fungi have evolved remarkable abilities to survive harsh conditions and can even help clean up contaminated environments or support plant growth in degraded soils. Researchers are discovering previously unknown fungal species and understanding how these organisms function in ecosystems, with potential applications for cleaning pollution, improving agriculture, and biotechnology.

Pharmaceutical Pollution in Aquatic Environments: A Concise Review of Environmental Impacts and Bioremediation Systems

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Medications we take for health are ending up in our water supplies in significant amounts because standard water treatment plants cannot remove them effectively. These pharmaceutical residues are harming wildlife and aquatic ecosystems, causing problems like population declines in birds, developmental issues in fish, and the spread of antibiotic resistance. Scientists are developing new bioremediation technologies, particularly using fungi and mycoremediation, to better remove these drugs from wastewater before they reach our water bodies.

In Vitro and Computational Response of Differential Catalysis by Phlebia brevispora BAFC 633 Laccase in Interaction with 2,4-D and Chlorpyrifos

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Scientists studied how a special enzyme called laccase from a white rot fungus can break down two common pesticides: 2,4-D (a herbicide) and chlorpyrifos (an insecticide). Using both laboratory tests and computer simulations, they found that the enzyme works better at room temperature and in acidic conditions, and that it can break down chlorpyrifos more effectively than 2,4-D. This research suggests these enzymes could be useful tools for cleaning up soil and water contaminated by pesticides.

Evaluation of Aspergillus flavus Growth on Weathered HDPE Plastics Contaminated with Diesel Fuel

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Diesel storage tanks made from plastic accumulate stubborn hydrocarbon residues that are difficult to clean using traditional methods. Scientists discovered that a common fungus called Aspergillus flavus can effectively grow on and potentially help break down these diesel-contaminated plastics, especially when the diesel has aged for years and is exposed to warmer temperatures. This research suggests fungi could offer an environmentally friendly way to clean up contaminated plastic waste from fuel storage.

Editorial: Highlights of the 1st Fun-Ex Conference: evolution, biodiversity, taxonomy and genomics of extremophilic and extremotolerant fungi

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Fungi that live in extreme environments like deserts, frozen Antarctic valleys, and salt lakes have evolved remarkable survival strategies. Scientists gathered at the 1st Fun-Ex Conference to share discoveries about how these tough fungi handle stress, what makes them diverse, and how we might use them to clean up pollution or help crops grow in harsh conditions. This research shows that these extraordinary organisms could unlock new solutions for environmental and agricultural challenges.

Conversion of Soluble Compounds in Distillery Wastewater into Fungal Biomass and Metabolites Using Australian Ganoderma Isolates

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Researchers discovered that Ganoderma mushroom mycelium can clean up rum distillery wastewater while producing edible, protein-rich fungal biomass. The mycelium successfully removed harmful compounds from the wastewater and accumulated bioactive compounds with health benefits. This dual-benefit approach transforms an environmental waste problem into a valuable food ingredient, offering a sustainable and economical solution for the distillery industry.

Enhanced biodegradation of fluorinated pharmaceutical by Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella elegans biofilms: kinetics and mechanisms

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This study demonstrates that two types of fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella elegans, can effectively remove persistent pharmaceutical pollution from wastewater when grown as biofilms on foam carriers. The fungi achieved removal rates of 92-98% for three common medications (atorvastatin, ciprofloxacin, and fluoxetine) much faster than previously reported methods. Unlike traditional fungal treatments that depend on lignin, these fungi can work in diverse environments, making them practical for wastewater treatment plants and offering a sustainable biological solution to pharmaceutical pollution.

Nicotine Degradation by Trametes versicolor: Insights from Diverse Environmental Stressors and Wastewater Medium

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This study shows that a common mushroom fungus called Trametes versicolor can effectively break down and remove nicotine from wastewater. The research found that the fungus works best at room temperature and slightly acidic conditions, particularly when grown in wastewater-like media. The findings suggest this fungal approach could become an environmentally friendly way to clean up nicotine pollution in water systems.

Research Keyword: bioremediation