Presentation
Mycoremediation of Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil with Pleurotus ostreatus
SessionMeet the Poster Authors
DescriptionOyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are known to biodegrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in petroleum crude oil, which can be toxic and lethal to organisms in the environment. Clean-up efforts for oil spills in estuarine environments impose complex problems due to the sensitivity of resources at risk, leading to response and restoration methods that have limitations and induce harm to ecosystems. This work aimed to assess the tolerance of P. ostreatus mycelium to varying salinities common in southeastern estuaries. In
vitro experiments using different nutrient amendments based on P. ostreatus carbon: nitrogen: phosphorus (C:N:P) ratio were conducted to optimize mycelium growth and potential biodegradation efficiencies in altering saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltene (SARA) fractions constituting fresh and weathered Louisiana Sweet Crude (LSC) crude oil. Image analysis tracked mycelium growth in response to LSC and nutrients, and then SARA analysis was conducted to the oil extractions. A predator-prey relationship between P. ostreatus and the eastern mud snail (Tritia obsoleta) was demonstrated through microscopy and grazing rate analyses. A potential trophic transfer of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from oiled mycelium to mud snails was investigated. Oil spills in estuarine ecosystems can negatively impact the blue economy and human health. Thus, this study provides insights into the adaptability of P. ostreatus to estuarine conditions, its response to nutrient amendments, and its role in potential bioremediation strategies for oil-contaminated environments. Oyster mushrooms, based on the results of this study, may be used in the future as an effective and noninvasive remediation tool for estuarine environments.
vitro experiments using different nutrient amendments based on P. ostreatus carbon: nitrogen: phosphorus (C:N:P) ratio were conducted to optimize mycelium growth and potential biodegradation efficiencies in altering saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltene (SARA) fractions constituting fresh and weathered Louisiana Sweet Crude (LSC) crude oil. Image analysis tracked mycelium growth in response to LSC and nutrients, and then SARA analysis was conducted to the oil extractions. A predator-prey relationship between P. ostreatus and the eastern mud snail (Tritia obsoleta) was demonstrated through microscopy and grazing rate analyses. A potential trophic transfer of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from oiled mycelium to mud snails was investigated. Oil spills in estuarine ecosystems can negatively impact the blue economy and human health. Thus, this study provides insights into the adaptability of P. ostreatus to estuarine conditions, its response to nutrient amendments, and its role in potential bioremediation strategies for oil-contaminated environments. Oyster mushrooms, based on the results of this study, may be used in the future as an effective and noninvasive remediation tool for estuarine environments.
Authors
Chemical Contaminants Research Program Lead
Associate Professor of Biological Science
Event Type
Poster
TimeMonday, May 13th5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
LocationExhibit Hall G
Preparedness
Prevention
Remediation
Response
Restoration