Mycoremediation study of transfer factor for plutonium and americium uptake from the ground

ChE 288 Journal Review Presented by : Cyhdar G. Racho, ChE

Dusan Galanda, Labumir Matel, Jana Strisovska, Silvia Dulanska

What is Mycoremediation? It is a form of bioremediation, the process of using fungi to degrade or sequester contaminants in the environment. Stimulating microbial and enzyme activity, mycelium reduces toxins in-situ. Some fungi are hyperaccumulators, capable of absorbing and concentrating heavy metals in the mushroom fruit bodies.

Mushroom at a closer look

Oyster mushroom(Pleurotus ostreatus)

Grows on woods Contains important minerals( K, Cu, et.) and Vit ( B2, B12, Ascorbic, cinamic acid, vanillin, courmarone acid 0.9-2% sugar content/ fresh stuff ( 45 cal/100g) Cell-wall contains Chitin which has a heavy metal absorbing properties

Purpose of the study

to investigate the transfer

of transuranium elements, specifically Plutonium and

Americium from the ground to the oyster mushrooms.

Methods and Experiment

Growing medium after first month

Methods and Experiment

Growing medium after third month

Schemes for Pu and Am separation using liquid extraction

Table 1. Specific activity in floricultural die and fruiting bodies of oyster mushroom

Specific activity of 239 Pu in oyster mushrooms sample

Specific activity of 241 Am in oyster mushrooms sample

Specific activity of 241 Am in oyster mushrooms sample

Table 2. Specific activity of Pu and Am in individual fractions.

Conclusion:

It was expressly proved the competence of oyster mushroom to extract radionuclides from the contaminated soil.

Reference(s):

http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Silvia_Dulanska/publication/260065044_Mycoremediation_the_study_of_transfer_factor_for_plutonium_and_americium_uptake_from_the_ground/links/004635344dfbcb7b1a000000.pdf

Thank you