Role of Fungi in Heavy Metal Bioremediation and Soil Health: An Overview

Abstract

The removal and recovery of heavy metals from the polluted environment are now possible because of the new and promising method known as bioremediation. Macrofungi can accumulate and break down a wide variety of hazardous metals and can also be used to restore a damaged environment. In general,mushrooms recover contaminated or polluted soils using three efficient strategies that include biodegradation, bioconversion, and biosorption. Majority of the fungal isolates can bioremidiate heavy metal such lead(Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) at high concentration throuh the processes of biodegradation, bioconversion, and biosorption. The process of mycoremediation employs a variety of wild and domesticated mushroom species which may break down significant amounts of organic and inorganic contaminants. White rot fungi have been widely employed in the conversion of pesticides, breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbons, and treatment of lignocellulosic waste in the pulp and paper sector. Several mushrooms, including Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Agaricus bisporus, Trametes versicolor, and Pleurotus ostreatus, among others, have been documented for their involvement in the remediation of contaminated soils.Healthy soil is a fundamental necessity of increased food because soil health is directly connected with the production of healthy food which impacts public and animal health. Dynamic nature of soil organism makes them sensitive to natural or management related soil changes and thus make excellent assessors of soil quantity. Microorganism in the soil contributes to the enhancement and preservation of soil quality controls the decomposition of plant and animal materials and it also controls organic chemical in the soil. This research was aimed to outlined the role of fungi in heavy metal bioremediation and its contribution to soil healt.  Soil microorganisms such as bacteria, fungus play a central role in soil fertility, processing, promoting crops health and also involves in protecting the soil organic matter.

Keywords: Fungi, Heavy Metal, Bioremediation, Biodegradation, Soil Health.