Removal of copper and zinc from aqueous media using white rot lignicolous fungi

Abstract

In Peru, white-rot lignicolous fungi represent a biotechnological resource with high potential for the bioremediation of environments contaminated with heavy metals, offering an ecological alternative to traditional physicochemical methods. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of four strains Ganoderma applanatum, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Schizophyllum commune, and Pleurotus ostreatus to remove copper and zinc from aqueous media at three metal concentrations. The cultures were maintained for 21 days under controlled conditions, and mycelial growth, biomass production, and removal efficiency were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results revealed significant differences among strains and concentrations. S. commune and P. ostreatus showed greater mycelial growth and biomass production, whereas G. applanatum and P. sanguineus stood out for their high metal adsorption capacity. Removal efficiencies reached values of 92.10–96.77% for copper and 91.88–99.05% for zinc, confirming the ability of these fungi to capture and retain heavy metals in aqueous systems. The findings demonstrate the potential of lignicolous fungi as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for bioremediation, contributing to the development of clean technologies applicable to the treatment of effluents contaminated with heavy metals. The use of lignicolous fungi in bioremediation processes could reduce operational costs, minimize secondary environmental impacts, and promote nature-based solutions, thereby strengthening sustainable environmental management strategies in the Peruvian context.