environmental health – Page 2

Analytical Determination of Heavy Metals in Water Using Carbon-Based Materials

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This review examines how special carbon-based materials can detect toxic metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury in water quickly and inexpensively. These sensors use electrochemical methods to identify metal contamination at extremely low levels, far below what could harm human health. Some newer sensors are self-powered and can show results with color changes visible to the naked eye, making them perfect for rapid testing in the field without expensive laboratory equipment.

Application of Modified Spent Mushroom Compost Biochar (SMCB/Fe) for Nitrate Removal from Aqueous Solution

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This research developed a new material made from leftover mushroom compost mixed with iron to clean water polluted with nitrate, a common problem in farming areas. The material works by attracting and trapping nitrate particles, and when tested, it successfully removed up to 19.88 mg of nitrate per gram of the material used. The best results occurred at neutral pH levels and after two hours of contact time. This affordable, environmentally friendly solution could help communities improve their water quality without expensive chemical treatments.

Insights into Persian Gulf Beach Sand Mycobiomes: Promises and Challenges in Fungal Diversity

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Researchers studied fungi in beach sand and water along the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman coasts during summer months. They found high levels of potentially harmful fungi, especially Aspergillus terreus, which can cause serious respiratory infections. Many of these fungi showed resistance to common antifungal medications. The study recommends better hygiene awareness for beach visitors and establishing safety standards for these popular recreational areas.

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.

A new type of calcium-rich biochars derived from spent mushroom substrates and their efficient adsorption properties for cationic dyes

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Researchers developed a low-cost material called biochar from leftover mushroom growing substrates that can effectively remove harmful dyes from wastewater. By heating these spent mushroom substrates to high temperatures, they created a porous material rich in calcium that works as a powerful filter. This biochar can be used multiple times and doesn’t require expensive chemical treatments, making it practical for large-scale wastewater cleanup in textile and related industries.

Microbes as Teachers: Rethinking Knowledge in the Anthropocene

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This paper argues that microbes should be viewed as teachers offering crucial wisdom about how to solve today’s environmental crises. Rather than seeing microbes as passive subjects to be studied, the author proposes recognizing them as intelligent, collaborative partners that have successfully managed Earth’s systems for billions of years. The paper provides practical suggestions for changing education, policy, and how we design cities and agriculture to work with microbial processes rather than against them.

Mycoremediation of Petroleum-Contaminated Soil Using Native Ganoderma and Trametes Strains from the Ecuadorian Amazon

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Researchers from Ecuador tested native fungi from the Amazon rainforest for their ability to clean up oil-contaminated soil. Five fungal species were found to remove over 96% of petroleum hydrocarbons in just 60 days through their natural enzymatic systems. These results show that fungi from biodiverse regions could offer an affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional soil cleanup methods, particularly important for communities affected by oil extraction pollution.

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 to measure their metal content. Researchers found that while mushrooms provide important minerals like iron and zinc, some species accumulate harmful metals like cadmium and chromium. Children are at greater risk from eating these mushrooms than adults because their smaller bodies absorb proportionally more of the contaminants. Some mushroom species pose significant cancer risks from metal exposure.

Biochar from fungiculture waste for adsorption of endocrine disruptors in water

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Researchers developed a new material called biochar from leftover mushroom growing waste that can effectively remove harmful hormones from water. By heating the mushroom waste to 600°C, they created a porous material with a large surface area that can trap and remove synthetic estrogen and progesterone from contaminated water. Testing showed this biochar removed over 95% of these hormones, making it a promising sustainable solution for cleaning water supplies.

Heavy Metal Remediation by Dry Mycelium Membranes: Approaches to Sustainable Lead Remediation in Water

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This research shows that dried mushroom root networks (mycelium) can effectively remove toxic lead from contaminated water, making it a natural and sustainable alternative to expensive chemical treatments. When enhanced with phosphate treatment, mycelium can remove over 95% of lead even at high concentrations. The mycelium membranes work well in continuous water filtration systems while being biodegradable and environmentally friendly, offering promising solutions for households and communities dealing with lead-contaminated drinking water.

Research Keyword: environmental health