Mycoremediation

The video to the right emphasize the importance and usage of fungus for the environment.

TEDxGreenville - Tradd Cotter

Process:

Fungal mycelium produces enzymes that break down lignin and other multi-chained compounds. Some enzymes include ligning-peroxidas, manganese peroxidase, and laccase. Lignin is mostly derived from wood and is essential to forming the secondary cell walls of plants. Since lignin is chemically similar to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) found during the combustion of fossil fuels, white rot fungi enzymes are able to break it down. They also break down polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and trinitrotoluene (TNT). (4.12)

Biodegradation:

Complex molecules are broken down into simple organic compounds like carbon dioxide, water, and nitrate. Through enzymatic breakdown, which concerns the interaction of ligninolytic enzymes with cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system, hydroxyl radicals and the amount of H2O2 provided by the mushrooms, pollutants are chemically unbound.

Biosorption:

This process is mostly used for recovery of metals in industrial effluent where pollutants are bind without metabolic energy. To be able to perform this process, absorption, ion exchange, and covalent binding must be present.

Bioconversion:

The usage of lignocellulosic waste generated from industries can be used to cultivate mushrooms.

(4.12)

Enzymatic Machinary:

Fungal mycelium secretes a diversity of hydrolyzing and oxidizing enzymes to change the toxic substance into a less toxic one.