Mushroom Enzymes Detoxify Soil Radix Ecological Sustainability Center in Albany, New York, is embracing grassroots bioremediation by using mushrooms to detoxify soil in community gardens. Bioremediation capitalizes on the earth’s natural properties to regulate and heal city soil without breaking the bank. Scott Kellogg, educational director at RESC, explained how they are growing oyster mushrooms in straw, and after harvesting the mushrooms, spreading the straw (that is now rich with mushroom enzymes) across contaminated soil. These enzymes then break down pollutants, in result detoxifying the soil. According to Kellogg, the extent of household and commercial causes of soil pollution from the past 150 years is starting to become more apparent, especially with the increase in community gardens and urban farming. The conventional method of disposing of materials in landfills is not practical or affordable for city residents, so “we’re looking at ways that ordinary citizens who don’t have particularly extensive backgrounds in science or engineering can get involved,” he said.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:00:01 +0000
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