Investigating the performance and biochemical composition of (Pleurotus eryngii) in Mycoremediation of Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) from the liquid growth medium

Abstract

Introduction: Considering human activities, especially industrial development, pollution with
heavy metals such as Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) is becoming a critical challenge for the
environment, which may endanger human life. Nowadays, Mycoremediation is mentioned as
a useful, economic and efficient way to reduce heavy metal pollution. In this study, the
efficiency of Pleurotus eryngii in refining heavy metals Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) in a
liquid growth medium was investigated.
Materials & Methods: In order to evaluate the performance of the above fungus, the amount
of heavy metals uptake, protein concentration, the amount of catalase enzyme, and the amount
of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the presence of heavy metals (Lead and Cadmium) in
four experimental groups with dilution levels of 0, 150, 250 and 350 ppm was measured.
Result: The highest absorption rates of heavy metals for lead and cadmium were 52.33±0.57
and 50.00±1.20, respectively. Also, the results increased the concentrations of phenols,
flavonoids, proteins, and catalase by increasing the concentrations of the mentioned metals
respectively (3.23±0.50, 3.50±0.08) and (27.26±0.12, 28.76±0.08) mgg-1, (0.65±0.01,
0.65±0.01) mgml-1, (0.20±0.05, 0.50±0.05) protein unit min-1mg-1 showed that the results.
According to the results, a significant difference was observed between the control group and
the experimental groups (P<0.001).
Conclusion: In general, according to the obtained results, it seems that P. eryngii can be used
as a suitable candidate for mycoremediation.