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Fungi Activity on Remediation of Polluted Environments, 2nd Edition
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Fungi Activity on Remediation of Polluted Environments, 2nd Edition

A Special Issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X) belonging to the section "Environmental and Ecological Interactions of Fungi".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 18707

Editors

Dr. Inmaculada García-Romera

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CSIC-Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ), Granada, Spain
Interests: saprobic fungi; heavy metals; aromatic hydrocarbons; bioremediation; arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis; olive dry residue
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mario Paniagua-López

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CSIC-Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ), Granada, Spain
Interests: environmental pollution; soil degradation; heavy metals; bioremediation; mycoremediation; rhizosphere fungi; arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Industrialization and urbanization have led to inorganic (heavy metals) and organic (pesticides and persistent organic pollutants) contamination of almost all the natural resources on which human survival is dependent. A strategy must be developed to provide remediations of these pollutants. Bioremediation is the utilization of living entities for alleviating hazardous effects of pollutants that are undesirable for sustaining life. Bioremediation by fungi can be an economical, eco-friendly, and effective strategy to combat the ever-increasing problem of soil and water pollution. Fungi can perform the remediation of pollutants through several mechanisms such as biosorption, precipitation, biotransformation, and sequestration. Furthermore, different strains, contaminants, and reaction circumstances appear to significantly impact the outcomes of remediation. It is necessary to understand the mechanism behind the mycoremediation of pollutants and to find future strategies to overcome the existing limitations and the acceleration of the degradation process.

Dr. Inmaculada García-Romera
Dr. Mario Paniagua-López
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • environmental pollution
  • fungus
  • mycoremediation
  • organic pollutant
  • heavy metals

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 2925 KB  
Article
Mycoremediation of Petroleum-Contaminated Soil Using Native Ganoderma and Trametes Strains from the Ecuadorian Amazon
by Isabel Cipriani-Avila, Cony Decock, Aracely Zambrano-Romero, Katherine Zaldumbide, Mónica Garcés-Ruiz, Jazel Caiza-Olmedo, Ana Gordillo, Verónica Luna and Patrick A. Gerin
J. Fungi 2025, 11(9), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11090651 - 2 Sep 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3300
Abstract
Petroleum-contaminated soils are a major environmental concern worldwide. In Ecuador, extensive oil spills in the Amazon have led to widespread hydrocarbon pollution, threatening ecosystems and posing health risks to nearby communities. Conventional remediation techniques are resource-intensive and may render soil unsuitable for future [...] Read more.
Petroleum-contaminated soils are a major environmental concern worldwide. In Ecuador, extensive oil spills in the Amazon have led to widespread hydrocarbon pollution, threatening ecosystems and posing health risks to nearby communities. Conventional remediation techniques are resource-intensive and may render soil unsuitable for future use. In contrast, mycoremediation—using fungi to degrade toxic contaminants—offers a sustainable alternative. White-rot fungi, known for their ligninolytic enzyme systems such as laccases and peroxidases, are capable of degrading a wide range of organic pollutants, including petroleum hydrocarbons. This study assessed the enzymatic activity of 16 fungal strains from the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota isolated in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Plate-based screening and quantitative laccase activity assays confirmed positive enzymatic activity in all strains. The five strains with the highest enzymatic activity were Ganoderma cf. parvulum QCAM7791, Trametes menziesii QCAM7783, Trametes menziesii QCAM7788, Trametes menziesii QCAM7790, and Trametes meyenii QCAM7785, which were selected for a 60-day soil microcosm experiment under controlled laboratory conditions. These strains removed over 96% of total petroleum hydrocarbons from contaminated soil, demonstrating high biodegradation efficiency. These results highlight the promise of native fungal strains as bioremediation agents for petroleum-contaminated soils. Further studies should focus on evaluating their performance under field conditions and their potential integration into large-scale remediation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungi Activity on Remediation of Polluted Environments, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 1978 KB  
Article
Insights into Persian Gulf Beach Sand Mycobiomes: Promises and Challenges in Fungal Diversity
by Abolfazl Saravani, João Brandão, Bahram Ahmadi, Ali Rezaei-Matehkolaei, Mohammad Taghi Hedayati, Mahdi Abastabar, Hossein Zarrinfar, Mojtaba Nabili, Leila Faeli, Javad Javidnia, Shima Parsay, Zahra Abtahian, Maryam Moazeni and Hamid Badali
J. Fungi 2025, 11(8), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11080554 - 26 Jul 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1892
Abstract
Beach Sand Mycobiome is currently among the most important health challenges for viticulture in the world. Remarkably, the study of fungal communities in coastal beach sand and recreational waters remains underexplored despite their potential implications for human health. This research aimed to assess [...] Read more.
Beach Sand Mycobiome is currently among the most important health challenges for viticulture in the world. Remarkably, the study of fungal communities in coastal beach sand and recreational waters remains underexplored despite their potential implications for human health. This research aimed to assess the prevalence of fungal species and the antifungal susceptibility profiles of fungi recovered from the beaches of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Sand and seawater samples from 39 stations distributed within 13 beaches along the coastline were collected between May and July 2023. The grown isolates were identified at the species level based on morphological characteristics and DNA sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Of 222 recovered isolates, 206 (92.8%) filamentous fungi and 16 (7.2%) yeast strains were identified. Sand-recovered fungi comprised 82.9%, while water-originated fungi accounted for 17.1%. The DNA sequencing technique categorized 191 isolates into 13 genera and 26 species. The most recovered genus was Aspergillus (68.9%), and Aspergillus terreus sensu stricto was the commonly identified species (26.14%). Voriconazole was the most effective antifungal drug against Aspergillus species. Research on fungal contamination levels at these locations could provide a foundation for establishing regulatory frameworks to diminish fungal risks, thereby enhancing public health protection. The ecological significance of fungal communities in sandy beaches to human infections remains to be explored, and earlier reports in the literature may motivate researchers to focus on detecting this mycobiome in natural environments where further investigation is warranted. Ultimately, our discovery serves as a reminder that much remains to be learned about pathogenic fungi and underscores the need for vigilance in areas where emerging pathogens have not yet been identified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungi Activity on Remediation of Polluted Environments, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 1191 KB  
Article
Gigaspora roseae and Coriolopsis rigida Fungi Improve Performance of Quillaja saponaria Plants Grown in Sandy Substrate with Added Sewage Sludge
by Guillermo Pereira, Diyanira Castillo-Novales, Cristian Salazar, Cristian Atala and Cesar Arriagada-Escamilla
J. Fungi 2025, 11(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11010002 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1685
Abstract
The use of living organisms to treat human by-products, such as residual sludge, has gained interest in the last years. Fungi have been used for bioremediation and improving plant performance in contaminated soils. We investigated the impact of the mycorrhizal fungus (MF) Gigaspora [...] Read more.
The use of living organisms to treat human by-products, such as residual sludge, has gained interest in the last years. Fungi have been used for bioremediation and improving plant performance in contaminated soils. We investigated the impact of the mycorrhizal fungus (MF) Gigaspora roseae and the saprophytic fungus (SF) Coriolopsis rigida on the survival and growth of Quillaja saponaria seedlings cultivated in a sandy substrate supplemented with residual sludge. Q. saponaria is a sclerophyllous tree endemic to Chile, known for its high content of saponins. We inoculated plants with the MF, the SF, and a combination of both (MF + SF). Following inoculation, varying doses of liquid residual sludge equivalent to 0, 75, and 100% of the substrate’s field capacity were applied. After 11 months, we found a positive influence of the utilized microorganisms on the growth of Q. saponaria. Particularly, inoculation with the SF resulted in higher plant growth, mycorrhizal colonization percentage, and higher enzymatic activity, especially after the application of the sludge. This increase was more evident with higher doses of the applied sludge. These results highlight the potential of combined microorganism and residual sludge application as a sustainable strategy for enhancing plant growth and reducing waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungi Activity on Remediation of Polluted Environments, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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16 pages, 2607 KB  
Review
Pleurotus ostreatus for Environmental Remediation and Sustainable Bioprocesses: An Evidence-Mapped Review of Research Gaps and Opportunities
by Luz Miryam Lozada-Martinez, Juan David Reyes-Duque, Yadira Marin-Hamburger and Ivan David Lozada-Martinez
J. Fungi 2026, 12(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12010054 - 12 Jan 2026
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2175
Abstract
Fungi have emerged as versatile biotechnological platforms for addressing environmental challenges with potential co-benefits for human health. Among them, Pleurotus ostreatus stands out for its ligninolytic enzyme systems (notably laccases), capacity to valorize lignocellulosic residues, and ability to form functional mycelial materials. We [...] Read more.
Fungi have emerged as versatile biotechnological platforms for addressing environmental challenges with potential co-benefits for human health. Among them, Pleurotus ostreatus stands out for its ligninolytic enzyme systems (notably laccases), capacity to valorize lignocellulosic residues, and ability to form functional mycelial materials. We conducted an evidence-mapped review, based on a bibliometric analysis of the Scopus corpus (2001–2025; 2085 records), to characterize research fronts and practical opportunities in environmental remediation and sustainable bioprocesses involving P. ostreatus. The mapped literature shows sustained growth and global engagement, with prominent themes in: (a) oxidative transformation of phenolic compounds, dyes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; (b) biodegradation/bioconversion of agro-industrial residues into value-added products; and (c) development of bio-based materials and processes aligned with the circular bioeconomy. We synthesize how these strands translate to real-world contexts, reducing contaminant loads, closing nutrient loops, and enabling low-cost processes that may indirectly reduce exposure-related risks. Key translational gaps persist: standardization of environmental endpoints, scale-up from laboratory to field, performance in complex matrices, life-cycle impacts and cost, ecotoxicological safety, and long-term monitoring. A practical agenda was proposed that prioritizes field-scale demonstrations with harmonized protocols, integration of life-cycle assessment and cost metrics, data sharing, and One Health frameworks linking environmental gains with plausible health co-benefits. In conclusion, P. ostreatus is a tractable platform organism for sustainable remediation and bio-manufacturing. This evidence map clarifies where the field is mature and where focused effort can accelerate the impact of future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungi Activity on Remediation of Polluted Environments, 2nd Edition)
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25 pages, 2383 KB  
Review
Linking the Metabolic Activity of Plastic-Degrading Fungi to Their Taxonomy and Evolution
by Anusha H. Ekanayaka, Namali T. De Silva, Entaj Tarafder, Xue-Mei Chen, Dong-Qin Dai, Steven L. Stephenson, Suhail Asad, Saowaluck Tibpromma and Samantha C. Karunarathana
J. Fungi 2025, 11(5), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11050378 - 15 May 2025
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7102
Abstract
Plastic, a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, has become a global necessity, with annual production exceeding 300 million tons. However, the accumulation of synthetic polymers in our environment poses a pressing global challenge. To address this urgent issue, fungi have emerged as [...] Read more.
Plastic, a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, has become a global necessity, with annual production exceeding 300 million tons. However, the accumulation of synthetic polymers in our environment poses a pressing global challenge. To address this urgent issue, fungi have emerged as potential agents for plastic degradation. In our previous manuscript, ‘A Review of the Fungi That Degrade Plastic’, we explored the taxonomic placement of plastic-degrading fungi across three main phyla: Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucoromycota. In this review, we built upon that foundation and aimed to further explore the taxonomic relationships of these fungi in a comprehensive and detailed manner, leaving no stone unturned. Moreover, we linked metabolic activity and enzyme production of plastic-degrading fungi to their taxonomy and summarized a phylogenetic tree and a detailed table on enzyme production of plastic-degrading fungi presented here. Microbial enzymes are key players in polymer degradation, operating intra-cellularly and extra-cellularly. Fungi, one of the well-studied groups of microbes with respect to plastic degradation, are at the forefront of addressing the global issue of plastic accumulation. Their unique ability to hydrolyze synthetic plastic polymers and produce a wide range of specific enzymes is a testament to their potential. In this review, we gather and synthesize information concerning the metabolic pathways of fungi involved in the degradation of plastics. The manuscript explores the diverse range of specific enzymes that fungi can produce for plastic degradation and the major pathways of plastic metabolism. We provide a listing of 14 fungal enzymes (Esterase, Cutinase, Laccase, Peroxidases, Manganese peroxidase, Lignin peroxidase, Oxidoreductases, Urease, Protease, Lipase, Polyesterase, Dehydrogenase, Serine hydrolase, and PETase) involved in pathways for plastic degradation alongside the relevant fungi known to produce these enzymes. Furthermore, we integrate the fungi’s enzyme-producing capabilities with their taxonomy and phylogeny. Taxonomic and phylogenetic investigations have pinpointed three primary fungal classes (Eurotiomycetes, Sordariomycetes (Ascomycota), and Agaricomycetes (Basidiomycota)) as significant plastic degraders that produce the vital enzymes mentioned earlier. This paper provides a foundational resource for recognizing fungal involvement in the biodegradation of synthetic polymers. It will ultimately advance fungal biotechnology efforts to address the global issue of plastic accumulation in natural environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungi Activity on Remediation of Polluted Environments, 2nd Edition)
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Other

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25 pages, 2205 KB  
Systematic Review
Mycofilters and the Effectiveness of Mycofiltration in the Removal of Contaminants in Water—A Systematic Review
by Sanele Michelle Mnkandla and Patricks Voua Otomo
J. Fungi 2026, 12(5), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12050376 - 18 May 2026
Viewed by 1490
Abstract
Mycofiltration uses saprophytic fungi immobilised on dead organic matter to treat contaminated water. This systematic review aimed to collate literature on mycofiltration, identify water sources subjected to mycofiltration, types of fungi employed, contaminants removed, and removal efficiencies (R%). Articles written in English between [...] Read more.
Mycofiltration uses saprophytic fungi immobilised on dead organic matter to treat contaminated water. This systematic review aimed to collate literature on mycofiltration, identify water sources subjected to mycofiltration, types of fungi employed, contaminants removed, and removal efficiencies (R%). Articles written in English between 1990 and 2023 were collected from various sources, screened based on inclusion criteria, and critically appraised. Metadata were extracted, and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Forty articles representing 156 studies passed appraisal, with 116 from journal articles, 24 from theses, and 16 from reports. Synthetic stormwater and real wastewater were the most frequently mycofiltered. Fungi of the Pleurotus genus were predominantly used in creating mycofilters. Organic contaminants removed included pharmaceuticals and pesticides, with R% between 60% and 100%. E. coli was the most studied microbial contaminant, and R% of 30%, 60%, and 90% were reported. Inorganic contaminants were mostly metals with R% above 60%. Overall, contaminant removal by mycofiltration varied, but the technology remained a promising tool. Research gaps observed included a lack of standardised methods for mycofilter preparation and design and little to no assessment of mycofilter saturation. Addressing gaps could aid in increasing mycofilter efficiency and reliable upscaling of mycofiltration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungi Activity on Remediation of Polluted Environments, 2nd Edition)
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