Research Keyword: fungal bioremediation

In situ degradation of 2-methylnaphthalene by a soil Penicillium strain associated with fungal–bacterial interactions

Scientists discovered a new type of fungus called Penicillium sp. LJD-20 that can break down 2-methylnaphthalene, a toxic pollutant found in soil near oil fields. Using advanced microscopy and genetic analysis, researchers showed this fungus works with bacteria to completely remove the pollutant from contaminated soil within two weeks. This discovery suggests that fungi could be valuable allies in cleaning up environmental pollution caused by industrial chemicals.

Read More »

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

Scientists tested whether a type of fungus called Trametes versicolor could break down nicotine pollution in wastewater. They found that the fungus successfully removed 80-99% of nicotine, especially when grown at comfortable temperatures (25°C) and neutral pH levels in wastewater-like solutions. This research suggests fungi could offer an affordable, environmentally-friendly way to clean up nicotine contamination in water systems, which is important since traditional wastewater treatments don’t completely remove nicotine.

Read More »

Pb immobilization by phosphate-solubilizing fungi and fluorapatite under different Mn2+ concentrations

Researchers studied how two types of beneficial fungi (Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum) can remove dangerous lead contamination from environments. By adding the mineral fluorapatite and controlling the level of manganese in the growth medium, they found that Aspergillus niger was much more effective at capturing and permanently locking up lead particles, preventing them from leaching back into the environment. The optimal amount of manganese (7.5 mg/L) significantly boosted the fungi’s production of organic acids that capture lead, making this an environmentally friendly solution for cleaning polluted sites.

Read More »

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

Two types of fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Cunninghamella elegans, can effectively break down pharmaceutical pollutants commonly found in wastewater, such as antidepressants and antibiotics. When grown as biofilms on foam carriers, these fungi removed over 90% of the target pharmaceuticals very quickly. The fungi accomplish this primarily through enzymatic breakdown rather than absorption, making them promising candidates for cleaning wastewater at treatment plants.

Read More »

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

Researchers isolated six types of fungi from mining-contaminated soil in Mexico that can survive in extremely toxic environments with high levels of lead and cadmium. These fungi have developed special strategies to handle these dangerous metals, with one species, Paecilomyces lilacinus, showing exceptional ability to tolerate both metals simultaneously. These findings suggest these fungi could be used to clean up contaminated soils in mining regions, offering hope for environmental remediation efforts.

Read More »
Scroll to Top