Harnessing Native Fungi to Clean Up Organic Pollutants in Fiberbank Sites

Jim Crocker
3rd September, 2024

Harnessing Native Fungi to Clean Up Organic Pollutants in Fiberbank Sites

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from Mid Sweden University studied native white-rot fungi (WRF) from northern Sweden to clean up fiberbank sediments
  • Laetiporus sulphureus showed the highest growth on fiberbank material, followed by Hymenochaete tabacina and Diplomitoporus crustulinus
  • Phellinus punctatus was most effective in removing 2-3 ring PAHs, while Diplomitoporus crustulinus excelled at degrading 4-6 ring PAHs
The forestry and wood pulping industry in Sweden has generated a significant environmental challenge in the form of fiberbanks, which are fibrous sediments contaminated with potentially toxic elements and a variety of organic pollutants. These sediments are also a concern due to their potential role in greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing the environmental risks posed by these fiberbanks is crucial, yet no specialized remediation methods have been established for this specific type of contaminated sediment. A recent study conducted by researchers from Mid Sweden University aims to fill this gap by identifying effective fungal species for the mycoremediation of fiberbank substrates[1]. The study focused on assessing both the growth capacity and the proficiency in degrading organic pollutants of 26 native white-rot fungi (WRF) species. These fungi were sourced from natural forest environments in northern Sweden. White-rot fungi are known for their ability to degrade a wide range of organic pollutants due to their unique oxidative and extracellular ligninolytic systems, which exhibit low substrate specificity[2]. This makes them particularly promising for bioremediation efforts. The experimental setup involved evaluating the WRF on plates containing fiberbank material with a central Hagem-agar disc to closely monitor the interaction of these species with the fiberbank substrates. Among the fungi tested, Laetiporus sulphureus exhibited the highest growth area percentage at 72%, followed by Hymenochaete tabacina at 68% and Diplomitoporus crustulinus at 67%. When it came to the removal of 2-3 ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known environmental pollutants, Phellinus punctatus led with a removal efficiency of 68%, followed by Cystostereum muraii at 57% and Diplomitoporus crustulinus at 49%. For the removal of more complex 4-6 ring PAHs, Diplomitoporus crustulinus showed the highest efficiency at 44%, followed by Phlebia tremellosa at 40% and Phlebiopsis gigantea at 28%. The findings of this study are significant as they highlight the potential of specific WRF species in the bioremediation of fiberbank sediments. The ability of these fungi to degrade a wide range of organic pollutants is largely attributed to their ligninolytic enzymes such as laccase, lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase, and versatile peroxidase[3]. These enzymes play a key role in the degradation and detoxification processes, making WRF a valuable resource for environmental cleanup efforts. Moreover, the study underscores the broader potential of fungi in bioremediation processes. Fungi possess the biochemical and ecological capacity to degrade environmental organic chemicals and decrease the risk associated with metals, metalloids, and radionuclides, either by chemical modification or by influencing chemical bioavailability[4]. Despite their dominance in soil biomass and abundance in aqueous systems, fungi have not been widely exploited for bioremediation of such environments, making this study a significant step forward in this field. In conclusion, the research conducted by Mid Sweden University provides valuable insights into the potential of native white-rot fungi species for the bioremediation of fiberbank sediments. By identifying specific fungi that exhibit high growth capacity and proficiency in degrading organic pollutants, this study lays the groundwork for developing effective remediation strategies for contaminated fiberbank environments. The findings also reinforce the broader applicability of fungi in environmental cleanup efforts, highlighting the need for further research and development in this promising area.

EnvironmentSustainabilityMycology

References

Main Study

1) Unlocking the biodegradative potential of native white-rot fungi: a comparative study of fiberbank organic pollutant mycoremediation.

Published 2nd September, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1080/21655979.2024.2396642

Related Studies

2) A comprehensive insight into the application of white rot fungi and their lignocellulolytic enzymes in the removal of organic pollutants.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146132

3) Ligninolytic enzymes and its mechanisms for degradation of lignocellulosic waste in environment.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03170

4) Untapped potential: exploiting fungi in bioremediation of hazardous chemicals.

https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro2519


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