Uptake and bioremediation of heavy metals through Cultivated Mushroom (Calocybe indica)

Results showed a negative effect of heavy metal contaminations on mycelial growth, fruit bodies production and biological efficiency of Calocybe indica. Mycelial growth of fungi can tolerate heavy metals toxicity up to certain extent except Cd and As. Yield of C. indica did not increase with an increasing concentration of the heavy metals except Cr and Al. The bioaccumulation potential and yield of fruiting bodies of C. indica were found to be in the following order Zn>Mg>Cu>Mn>Al>Cr>Co>Pb>Cd>As. Heavy metal accumulation in mycelium varied significantly with the type of metal and total concentration of metals in the inoculated substrate. It was also observed that, as the concentration of heavy metals in substrate increased, the accumulation of heavy metals in fruit bodies increases and vice versa. These results suggested that C. indica may be effective in promoting the bioremediation of heavy metal-contaminated substrates.