This project exemplifies a form of bioremediation; a Mycoremediational research to alleviate eutrophication from dissolved phosphorus and nitrogen contamination in agricultural watersheds. The intent of this project is to decrease the amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen content in chicken manure to limit the amount of excessive dissolved P and N contamination in surfaces of water, especially lakes. Some success with various species of mushrooms have been used as a form of fungal bioremediation in the past for an Eco-friendly and cost efficient way to remove toxins from the environment.
In the movie, “World War Z” directed by Marc Forster, the actor Andrew Fassbach quotes, “Mother Nature is a serial killer. She wants to get caught, she leaves bread crumbs, and she leaves clues.” Mother Nature is a serial killer; she creates elements such as phosphorus (note: Phosphorus is the 11th most abundant element in the earth’s crust), and also life in water making an aquatic ecosystem. Once combining too much nutrients such as phosphorus in water can gradually kill what Mother Nature has given life to in aquatic form. Luckily, “she leaves bread crumbs and clues” to restore order. Nature has provided an environmental solution in an acknowledged package: mushrooms. The mycelium from mushrooms has a significant ability to break down and detoxify an abundant deal of toxic industrial wastes or even pollution. The mycelium is the fruit of the mushroom. The jobs of the mycelia in forests are to breakdown and recycle nitrogen, carbon, plant or animal decomposition and manure. The mushroom turns wasteful products into rich soil. Mushroom cultivation is acknowledged throughout many decades although it holds the key for ecological evolution for multitudes of benefits to all humans (animals) and plants with its environment by providing soil enhancement, nutritional benefits and bioremediation (Stamets). Mushrooms are not only used for medical and nutritional purposes, but also used for bioremediation, to absorb and facilitate substances such as: pesticides, litter/manure, industrial wastes, toxins, pollution and anything that could threaten the environment (Stamets). Mother Nature has provided us with the key to humanity by providing mushrooms and fungi as its natural decomposer. “Earth without mushrooms and fungi would be a planet buried in several feet of debris and life would cease to exist” (quoted by Paul Stamets.)
The soil and water runoff analysis were determined by means of a standard testing technique and equipment. Trays with mushroom presence showed a gradual decrease in contents of dissolved phosphorus and nitrogen levels within the soil compared to the controls. The water runoff analysis showed that trays with mushrooms showed a decrease throughout the trial in phosphate, nitrate, and nitrite levels compared to the control. Distinctive species of mushrooms extracted varied quantities of elements and compounds from the soil; for example, the Oyster species flourished overnight while other species emerged within a elongated period of time.
The contributions of this project are prodigious. First, the mycelium’s of the mushroom have the capability to enhance soil quality, to absorb, and facilitate substances such as litter/manure. Mother Nature has provided us with the key to humanity by providing mushrooms and fungi as its natural decomposer. Secondly, the benefits of a cost-efficient bioassay technique utilizing fungal bioremediation were demonstrated. Less...