Fungal bioremediation: A step towards cleaner environment

Abstract

Mycoremediation is a technique wherein various fungi are used in the remediation of hazardous contaminants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dyes, hazardous phenolics, heavy metals, and several others. Fungi are the ubiquitous and diverse group of organisms that produce a wide array of enzymes and metabolites (organic acids, exopolysaccharides, etc.). By synergic action of these metabolites, fungi can efficiently degrade or transform the hazardous contaminants. Additionally, live or dead fungal biomass has the higher sorption capability of contaminants as compared to the other microorganisms. In this chapter, application of fungi in degrading dyes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, remediation of heavy metals, and other contaminants is discussed, wherein fungi degrade the organics and aid in remediation of metals using a variety of strategies.