Cleaning contaminated soil with fungi

Mycoremediation uses fungi to degrade or convert pollutants into harmless or less harmful compounds, indirectly making the world better.

WITH development and urbanisation, cities become more polluted as industries generate toxic waste that is harmful to human health and the environment. For decades, ineffective waste management has contributed to this ongoing problem.

A study titled “Potential Fungi to Remediate Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Contaminated Soil”, conducted by Assoc Prof Dr Ong Ghim Hock (pic), Tan Jia Wen, Dr Wong Rui Rui and Dr Wong Kok Kee from the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at INTI International University, revealed the prevalence of fungi degrading or converting pollutants into harmless compounds which can safeguard the environment.