Nagoya University Scientists Use Decoy Molecules to Help Soil Bacteria Eat Pollution

Nagoya University researchers found a new way to make soil bacteria clean up pollution using decoy molecules without changing the bacteria's genes. This could help clean contaminated sites.

White-Rot Fungi Show Promise for Reducing Pharmaceutical Residues in Biosolids

Two species of white-rot fungi remove most of the psychoactive pharmaceuticals tested—sometimes almost completely—in biosolids

Bioremediation of Ecosystems Using Microbiological Technologies - Cytology and Genetics

Abstract The disposal of toxic metals and munitions waste represents a critical component of environmental safety and ecosystem protection. Developing new methods and technologies that can rapidly and effectively mitigate contamination and diminish its impact on the environment and human health remains an urgent priority. As an alternative to conventional physicochemical approaches for decontaminating polluted sites, bioremediation has emerged as a promising method. This process involves the transformation of hazardous chemical compounds containing toxic metals into nontoxic or less toxic substances through the activity of diverse microorganisms. Understanding bioavailability is essential for assessing the potential toxicity of metallic elements and their compounds, as well as for designing effective strategies for ecological remediation of contaminated areas. The bioavailability of metals depends on their capacity to be absorbed, chemically transformed, or metabolized by microorganisms within the contaminated environment. The primary factors influencing metal bioavailability include the chemical form of the metal, the redox potential and pH of the environment, and its ecological and physicochemical characteristics such as temperature, substrate availability, moisture, and aeration. Microorganisms themselves play a significant role in enhancing metal bioavailability through environmental acidification (protonolysis), chelate formation that binds metals, and enzymatic synthesis capable of altering the chemical state of metals via oxidation or reduction. This article examines the key processes through which microorganisms achieve bioremediation of toxic metals, namely biosorption, bioaccumulation, mobilization, and immobilization.

List of hyperaccumulators - Wikipedia

The mysterious black fungus from Chernobyl that may eat radiation

Mould found at the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster appears to be feeding off the radiation. Could we use it to shield space travellers from cosmic rays?

From Rainforest Floor to Landfill Core: How Nature's Decomposers Are Learning to Eat Our Plastic Problem 🍄

Discover how plastic-eating fungi help turn synthetic waste into simpler, soil-friendly compounds. From 2011 Ecuador discovery to recent breakthroughs

Bioremediation: Cleaning Up Pollution Naturally

Understanding Synthetic Microbial Consortia Soil contamination presents a significant global challenge, impacting both ecosystems and human health. Consequently, traditional remediation

Do Fungi Feast on Radiation?

Apparently, but only if they contain melanin, the chemical that serves as skin pigment in humans