environmental monitoring

The potential of fungi in the bioremediation of pharmaceutically active compounds: a comprehensive review

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Pharmaceutical drugs that we take end up in our water systems because our bodies don’t fully process them. Fungi, especially types of mushrooms, have powerful enzymes that can break down these drug residues and clean contaminated water. Scientists are studying how to use these fungi in treatment systems to remove medications from hospital wastewater and drinking water sources.

Radiocaesium Contamination of Mushrooms at High- and Low-Level Chernobyl Exposure Sites and Its Consequences for Public Health

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A study examined how much radioactive cesium collected in wild mushrooms from areas affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident in Czech Republic. The findings showed that while mushrooms in the most contaminated area accumulated more radioactivity than those in less affected areas, eating these mushrooms would not cause significant health risks to most people. The research helps experts understand how to safely assess radioactive contamination in wild foods after nuclear accidents.

Advancing automated identification of airborne fungal spores: guidelines for cultivation and reference dataset creation

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Researchers developed standardized procedures to grow fungal spores in laboratories and prepare them for testing with automated detection devices. They tested 17 different fungal species commonly found in the air and created reference datasets to train computer algorithms to identify these spores. Two different detection technologies were evaluated, showing promising accuracies (55-95%) for identifying various fungal spores. This work provides a blueprint for other scientists to create reliable training data for automated air quality monitoring systems that track allergens and disease-causing fungi.

The Role of Community Science in DNA-Based Biodiversity Monitoring

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Scientists and the general public are working together to monitor biodiversity using DNA-based methods. These collaborations allow researchers to collect data across wider geographic areas and longer time periods than traditional monitoring alone. Community participants, especially hobby experts and nature enthusiasts, help collect samples and contribute to building the genetic reference databases needed to identify species. Recognition and training of volunteers enhances both data quality and participant satisfaction.

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

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Researchers studied fungi living in sand and water along Persian Gulf beaches to understand potential health risks for swimmers. They found that fungal species, particularly Aspergillus terreus, were abundant in beach sand, with some fungi showing resistance to common antifungal medicines. The study suggests beaches need better monitoring and sanitation practices to protect public health, especially during busy bathing seasons when many visitors enjoy the coast.

Misconception of Schizophyllum commune strain 20R-7-F01 origin from subseafloor sediments over 20 million years old

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Researchers questioned whether a fungus found in ancient ocean sediments 2 km below the seafloor actually came from 20 million years ago or was modern contamination. By analyzing DNA repetitive sequences in different fungal populations, they discovered the strain was genetically almost identical to modern fungi from Asia, not ancient at all. The extreme conditions in the deep sediments would make it impossible for fungi to survive or exchange genes for millions of years, proving the fungus came from surface contamination during drilling rather than ancient times.

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.

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

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Researchers studied fungi living in beach sand and seawater along Iran’s Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman coastlines to understand potential health risks. They found that dangerous fungi, particularly Aspergillus species, were present at levels exceeding safe thresholds for swimmers and beach visitors. Many of these fungi showed resistance to common antifungal medications, which is concerning for people with weakened immune systems. The study suggests that beaches need better monitoring and sanitation programs to protect public health.

Seasonal discrepancy of airborne fungal diversity and community structure in Lentinula edodes factory

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This study examined how fungal spores in the air of shiitake mushroom factories change with the seasons and relate to a disease called shiitake artificial log rot disease (SLRD). Researchers found that when temperatures drop and humidity rises in autumn and winter, a harmful fungus called Trichoderma thrives in the air and causes more disease. By keeping the growing areas warmer, growers can significantly reduce disease occurrence and protect both their crops and workers’ health.

Screening of yeasts in the oral microbiota of bats (Chiroptera) in Piauí, Brazil

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Researchers collected oral samples from 47 bats in Brazil and found that over 40% carried yeast species, including some dangerous types like Candida albicans that cause infections in humans. The study identified that bats living near human settlements may serve as reservoirs for these disease-causing fungi, especially during rainy seasons when conditions favor yeast growth. This discovery highlights the importance of monitoring wildlife for infectious diseases to prevent them from spreading to humans.

Research Keyword: environmental monitoring