| Abstract Detail
Poster Session Herr, Emily [1]. Mycoremediation of agricultural runoff using the edible gourmet oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. Mycoremediation is the use of gourmet edible mushrooms or the natural mycoflora of an ecosystem to remediate a waste site. This is an effective and novel method to utilize fungi in the clean-up of a waste-water source. Agricultural fertilizers in the form of nitrates and phosphates are commonly used to improve crop and ornamental plant growth. Fertilizers accumulate in surface water runoff and enter into adjacent aquatic ecosystems. Excess nutrients can cause harmful algal blooms which are unsightly and possibly toxic. The agricultural fields adjacent to a pond at The University of Findlay’s Rieck Center offer a unique opportunity to test the effectiveness of a mycofiltration unit at remediating ammonia nitrogen and phosphate  from nearby agricultural fields. To create the mycofilter, eleven burlap sacks full of autoclaved wood chips were inoculated with the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) and mycelium allowed to grow for four months at room temperature in the lab. During fall 2013 the mycofilter was installed bordering the inlet drain to a pond at the Rieck Center. Ammonia nitrogen and phosphate levels were measured (mg/L) in the pond weekly for one month (n=4) using the Hach surface water test kit. Ammonia nitrogen levels (0.20–0.40 mg/L) in the pond showed no significant reduction (F1, 2 = 1.746; p = 0.223). Phosphate levels (0.14–0.25 mg/L) were consistently reduced over the four week time period (F1, 2 = 6.364; p = 0.0238).  Although preliminary, these results indicate a mycofiltration unit is a viable and natural option at remediating phosphate runoff into natural ecosystems. Additional sampling over a greater time period is necessary to confirm these results and rule out other factors such as influences from seasonal changes.
Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - The University of Findlay, Biology, 1000 N Main St, Findlay, OH, 45840, USA
Keywords:
none specified
Presentation Type: Offered Paper - Poster
Session: P4
Location: Lincoln Room/Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
Date: Tuesday, June 10th, 2014
Time: 8:00 PM
Number: P4008
Abstract ID:110
Candidate for Awards:None |
