Mycoremediation potential of Coprinus comatus in soil co-contaminated with copper and naphthalene

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of mycoremediation by Coprinus comatus (C. comatus) on the biochemical properties and lettuce growth in copper and naphthalene (Nap) co-contaminated soil. The results showed a significant enhancement of Nap dissipation upon incubation with C. comatus, and its removal ratios ranged from 96.00% to 97.16% with the level of contaminates, which were associated with the production of ligninolytic enzymes. The accumulation of copper in the body of C. comatus showed a positive correlation with the augment of metal loaded, and the proportion of acetic acid extractable copper in unplanted soils was larger than in soils with C. comatus. Lettuce grown in bioremediated soils showed a higher biomass and germination percentage and lower copper uptake than in non-bioremediated soils. These results, which suggest the accumulation of copper and degradation of Nap by C. comatus, provide a candidate for bioremediation in sites containing multiple pollutants.