Mycoremediation (Emerging Solution)
Type of Development
Restoration
Topography
Hills, Valleys, Baylands
Longevity
Environment
Urban
Maintenance
Low
Cost
Mycoremediation is a new nature based technique, so the estimated cost is to be determined.
Overview
Mycoremediation is a nature-based technique for restoring contaminated land, using fungi and native plants to break down toxins like petroleum, plastics, heavy metals, antibiotics, and pesticides into less toxic chemicals. This technique is useful at industrial and commercial sites polluted with hazardous substances, which are often located near low-income and minority communities. Traditional remediation methods involve costly excavation and relocation of contaminated soil. Mycoremediation serves as a more economical strategy for degrading toxic pollutants, while also transforming sites into thriving habitats with public health and climate hazard mitigation benefits.
Function
Mycoremediation leverages the natural decomposing abilities of fungi to degrade petrochemicals and transform them into non-toxic substances.
Benefit
The mycoremediation process of integrating fungi and plants into cleanup efforts is a cost-effective and ecologically sound alternative to conventional cleanup practices, like digging up hazardous waste and dumping it at a different location. Mycoremediation rehabilitates polluted sites and fosters biodiversity. This technique is especially beneficial at contaminated waterfront sites, as pollutants from the site can enter the watershed during floods and storms. Thus, this technique can contribute to managing sea level rise and riverine flooding impacts.
Dependency
Development Considerations
Mycoremediation is a new nature based technique, so development considerations are to be determined.
Environmental Considerations
Projects should consider using indigenous fungi growing on polluted sites, since they are adapted to the high concentration of various pollutants in harsh environmental conditions.
Maintenance Consideration
Mycoremediation is a new nature based technique, so maintenance considerations are to be determined.
Cost Considerations
Mycoremediation is a new nature based technique, so the estimated cost is to be determined.
Case Studies
Mycoremediation Pilot Project at Los Angeles Railyard
Toxicologist Danielle Stevenson is working with a team of UC Riverside students and other volunteers to remediate a railyard along the Los Angeles river. Funded by the City of Los Angeles, the team is using a unique nature based approach called mycoremedation to remove heavy metals and other pollutants. Over 12 months, the project removed almost all petrochemical pollutants at the site, while also restoring native plants and wildlife habitats along the waterfront. This effort will help boost climate resilience along the river and in nearby communities by preventing watershed contamination during extreme precipitation events and reducing urban heat with more green space.