Ectomycorrhizal Mushrooms as a Natural Bio-Indicator for Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution

Abstract

Environmental changes and heavy metal pollution are some of the consequences of anthropogenic activities. Many ecosystems, including edaphic ecosystems, suffer from the effects of pollution. The accurate assessment of soil heavy metal contamination leads to better approaches for remediating soils. The exploration of different ways, including biological methods, to conduct environmental monitoring is still ongoing. Here, we focus on reviewing the potential of ectomycorrhizal fungi as a natural indicator of soil heavy metal pollution. Mycorrhizal fungi fulfill basic criteria required as natural bio-indicators for heavy metal contamination. These fungi use different mechanisms such as avoidance and tolerance to survive in metalliferous soils. Thus, we promote ectomycorrhizal fungi as natural indicators. This review also synthesizes existing research on ectomycorrhizal mushrooms as natural bio-indicators for heavy metal pollution and the elaboration of mechanisms, by which ectomycorrhizal fungi meet the criteria required for a successful bio-indicator.

Mycorrhization in trees: ecology, physiology, emerging technologies and beyond

“…Moreover, ectomycorrhization of P. halepensis seedlings growing in heavy metal (Pb, Zn, and Cd) contaminated soil improved biomass accumulation of roots and shoots through lower accumulation of heavy metals in shoots, but higher accumulation in roots (Hachani et al 2020). In addition to the bioremediation prospects, many EcMF mushrooms such as Lactarius deliciosus, Cyanoboletus pulverulentus and Cantharellus cibarius, act as potential bioindicators to detect metal contamination (Ediriweera et al 2022). One of their adaption strategies is absorbing contaminants and intracellular detoxification.…”

“…One of their adaption strategies is absorbing contaminants and intracellular detoxification. Future studies should focus on better understanding the mechanisms of metal homeostasis, metal sensitivity, and adaptive responses of EcMF species (Ediriweera et al 2022).…”

“…Future studies should focus on better understanding the mechanisms of metal homeostasis, metal sensitivity, and adaptive responses of EcMF species (Ediriweera et al . 2022).…”

“…In addition to the bioremediation prospects, many EcMF mushrooms such as Lactarius deliciosus , Cyanoboletus pulverulentus and Cantharellus cibarius , act as potential bioindicators to detect metal contamination (Ediriweera et al . 2022). One of their adaption strategies is absorbing contaminants and intracellular detoxification.…”

Accumulation and within-mushroom distribution of elements in red cracking bolete (Xerocomellus chrysenteron) collected over the extended period from compositionally contrasting substrates

“…Mushrooms readily accumulate various elements (including toxic) from the substrate doing this much more effectively than vascular plants and playing therefore an important role in biochemical cycling (e.g., Falandysz & Borovička, 2013 ; Kalač, 2009 , 2010 ; Zocher et al, 2018 ). Concentrations of trace metals in mushroom fruiting bodies can serve as a signature for environmental pollution (e.g., Brzezicha-Cirocka et al, 2016 ; Ediriweera et al, 2022 ; Ingrao et al, 1992 ; Świsłowski & Rajfur, 2018 ). Mushrooms can grow in different environments, i.e., in both relatively unpolluted (forests, parks) and significantly polluted (industrial wastes) areas.…”