Implementing Fungal Cultivation in Biofiltration Systems – The Past, Present, and Future of Mycofiltration
The intentional use of the vegetative growth of mushroom-forming fungi on wood mulch substrates as a biologically active filtration media, a process known as mycofiltration, is a promising new technology for enhancing biofiltration of stormwater, graywater, and agricultural runoff. Recent trials have documented that Escherichia coli can be selectively removed from contaminated water approximately 20% per cubic foot more effectively by mycofiltration than by wood mulch alone. This improvement in bacteria removal was consistent even after exposure of the mycofiltration media to harsh environmental conditions such as -15 to 40 °C (5 to 140 °F) temperature extremes. This article reviews the historical context, discusses the current state of research, describes best implementation practices, and highlights promising areas for future study to bring the cultivation of fungi in constructed ecosystems into common practice as a new ecological engineering tool for enhancing biological water treatment systems.
Download this file:
Download this file
—
PDF document,
626Kb
Details
Author(s): Alex W. Taylor, Paul E. Stamets
Publication: National Nursery Proceedings - 2013
Event:
Western Forestry and Conservation Nursery Association Meeting
2013 - Olympia, Washington
