How Mushrooms are Being Used to Clean Up Pollution in Cleveland
This age-old biotechnology is making headlines in Cleveland, where it's not just about decomposing organic matter anymore. Cleveland, Ohio, has seen the potential of mushrooms to digest entire houses, paving the way for cleaner, more sustainable urban redevelopment. The University of Minnesota is leading research into fungi's ability to break down harmful chemicals and pollutants, using mycelium blocks in homes in Namibia to address housing crises exacerbated by climate change. However, the integration of fungi into environmental remediation comes with caution as new fungal species introduced to ecosystems can disrupt natural balances. The potential of fungi to address environmental issues is immense, with examples such as creating sustainable building materials and breaking down stubborn pollutants. The article also highlights the importance of mycoremediation for environmental protection.
Published : a month ago by Nicholas Vincent in Environment
Cleveland is home to numerous abandoned houses, presenting an environmental challenge and an opportunity for groundbreaking research in bioremediation. Enter the world of mycoremediation, a process that harnesses fungi’s natural ability to break down harmful chemicals and pollutants. The city is witnessing the potential of mushrooms to digest entire houses, paving the way for cleaner, more sustainable urban redevelopment.
This eco-friendly approach has caught the eye of researchers globally. In Namibia, Christopher Maurer is pushing the boundaries with mycelium blocks, constructing homes that offer a beacon of hope in addressing housing crises exacerbated by climate change. These mycoblocks represent a revolutionary step in sustainable construction, merging traditional knowledge with cutting-edge science.
The University of Minnesota is at the forefront of this research, exploring how certain fungi can break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), notorious for their resilience and toxicity. Jiwei Zhang, assistant professor of environment and industrial microbiology, highlights the significance of their findings. Their research into “defluorinating” these substances marks a significant advance, pointing to a future where fungi play a crucial role in neutralizing environmental threats.
However, the integration of fungi into environmental remediation does not come without caution. The introduction of new fungal species to ecosystems can disrupt natural balances, underscoring the need for careful, responsible application of mycoremediation technologies.
Despite these challenges, the potential of fungi to address environmental issues is immense. From creating sustainable building materials to breaking down stubborn pollutants, fungi are proving to be invaluable allies in our quest for a greener planet. As we continue to uncover the vast capabilities of mycelium, it’s clear that these humble organisms could indeed be the unsung heroes in our fight against climate change.
There’s Only One Green Planet Tee by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection
• Concerns Over Air Pollution Prompt Americans to Move from Cities
Easy Ways to Help the Planet:
• Eat Less Meat: , the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like that raise awareness of important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing that is designed to be returned and remade repeatedly.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing high-quality content. Please consider
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!
Topics: Environmental Crime