Abstract:
Heavy metal contamination of soils poses a serious threat to environmental and human health due to the persistence and non- biodegradability of metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni). Bioremediation using white rot fungi (WRF) represents an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional physicochemical methods. White rot fungi, including Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus, Trametes versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, and Lentinula edodes, possess remarkable capabilities to tolerate and detoxify heavy metals through biosorption, bioaccumulation, and enzymatic transformation. Their ligninolytic enzyme system comprising lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP), and laccase plays a vital role in the oxidation and transformation of metal complexes, reducing their bioavailability and toxicity. The extensive mycelial network of these fungi enhances soil aggregation and facilitates immobilization of metals by binding them to fungal biomass or organic matter. Moreover, the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted by WRF further contribute to metal sequestration. Previous Studies have demonstrated efficient removal rates of Pb (up to 85%), Cd (70-80%), and Cr (75%) by T. versicolor and P. chrysosporium in contaminated soils. The integration of WRF-based bioremediation with organic amendments or plant-assisted systems (mycophytoremediation) offers great potential for restoring degraded soils. Thus, the use of white rot fungi constitutes a sustainable and promising strategy for mitigating heavy metal pollution and promoting environmental resilience.
Page(s):
64-64
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: 4th International Conference of Sciences “Revamped Scientific Outlook of 21st Century, 2025” , November 12,2025, Volume: 1, Issue: 1, Year: 2025
Keywords:
bioremediation
,
Persistence
,
Heavy metal contamination
,
Ligninolytic enzyme system
,
White rot fungi