Mycoremediation: Expunging environmental pollutants

Abstract

The ever-increasing population, rapid rate of urbanization, and industrialization are exacerbating the pollution-related problems. Soil and water pollution affect human health and the ecosystem. Thus, it is crucial to develop strategies to combat this ever-growing problem. Mycoremediation, employing fungi or its derivatives for remediation of environmental pollutants, is a comparatively cost-effective, eco-friendly, and effective method. It has advantages over other conventional and bioremediation methods. In this review, we have elucidated the harmful effects of common pollutants on public health and the environment. The role of several fungi in degrading these pollutants such as heavy metals, agricultural, pharmaceutical wastes, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, is enumerated. Future strategies to improve the rate and efficiency of mycoremediation are suggested. The manuscript describes the strategies which can be used as a future framework to address the global problem of pollution.

Keywords: Heavy metals; Mycoremediation; Pharmaceutical wastes; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Fig. 1

Source of environment pollutants and its affect on health. Sources: (1) Rural and urban housing, industries, factories effluents, vehicular exhausts; (2) Soil pollution in dumpsites; (3) Agricultural wastes; (4) Beach pollution due to anthropogenic activities; Affect: (5) Water pollution, affecting aquatic life; (6) Humans, flora and fauna are affected (7) Biogeochemical cycles; (8) Accumulation of toxins in food chain; (9) Damage to overall health and well being.

Fig. 2

Mycoremediation of herbicides and pesticides. The various chemicals used in agriculture are processed by fungi and are used as carbon or energy source or processed as non-toxic metabolites.

Fig. 3

Mycoremediation of environment pollutants.