Mycoremediation is the process of removing toxic contaminants in water, soil and air through the application of fungi spores to colonization of mushrooms using oil or other contaminants as a substrate.

Oyster mushrooms, in particular, have the astonishing ability when presented with a substance non-consumable to rearrange the carbon chain of that particular substance until it recognizes it as a consumable source of energy (food). In addition as the mycelium spreads, it secretes enzymes which can break down pollution in the air.

Recent studies have shown that mycoremediation can affect contaminated soil with a soil toxicity of 200,000 ppm and reduce toxicity levels to less than ~ 200 ppm after only 16 weeks from application

As well, mycelium outgasses and mushrooms form, fungus gnats and flies are attracted, and fish, bird, bat and insect populations may further benefit from an emerging food resource. This creates the marvelous abundant bi-product of ‘life’ with no harmful bi-products and zero negative environmental side effects.

Fungi are some of the best qualified organisms for environmental remediation. Mycelium has been fine-tuned over a billion years of evolution for one primary purpose: to consume,’ writes mycologist Merlin Sheldrake, in his 2019 book Entangled Life.

What is mycoremediation?