Mycofiltration
Start Date
April 2024
Location
2nd floor - Library
Abstract
Mycelium- the root-like structure of multicellular fungi- is made of hyphal networks. My research uses the weaving growth patterns of hyphae to create a water filter. As contaminated water passes through substrate containing mycelium, the net-like hyphal networks trap harmful particulates in the substrate. To measure the amount of contaminants in a solution before and after passing through myceliated substrate, I pack sawdust colonized with mycelium into a tube. I pour contaminated water into the tube and use a vacuum to pull the water through the colonized sawdust. In preliminary trials, I used water mixed with soil as my contaminated solution. I observed the amount of particulates in the solution decrease 7-fold after filtration. My current research develops those preliminary trials by using a standardized solution of E. coli in place of muddy water. E. coli mimics the fecal contaminants one might find in a natural water source. I also aim to determine if the mycelium is significantly contributing to filtration by comparing the filtration of water through myceliated sawdust to that through uncolonized sawdust. My setup allows me to vary the amount of substrate water passes through to deduce how much mycelium is necessary for a useful filtration system. My research hopes to quantify the ability to which myceliated substrate can absorb contaminants in water passing through it, and determine the most efficient setup for incorporating filtration via mycelium into urban streams and storm drains. I am optimistic that my work can contribute to sustainable solutions to water pollution.
Mycofiltration
2nd floor - Library
Mycelium- the root-like structure of multicellular fungi- is made of hyphal networks. My research uses the weaving growth patterns of hyphae to create a water filter. As contaminated water passes through substrate containing mycelium, the net-like hyphal networks trap harmful particulates in the substrate. To measure the amount of contaminants in a solution before and after passing through myceliated substrate, I pack sawdust colonized with mycelium into a tube. I pour contaminated water into the tube and use a vacuum to pull the water through the colonized sawdust. In preliminary trials, I used water mixed with soil as my contaminated solution. I observed the amount of particulates in the solution decrease 7-fold after filtration. My current research develops those preliminary trials by using a standardized solution of E. coli in place of muddy water. E. coli mimics the fecal contaminants one might find in a natural water source. I also aim to determine if the mycelium is significantly contributing to filtration by comparing the filtration of water through myceliated sawdust to that through uncolonized sawdust. My setup allows me to vary the amount of substrate water passes through to deduce how much mycelium is necessary for a useful filtration system. My research hopes to quantify the ability to which myceliated substrate can absorb contaminants in water passing through it, and determine the most efficient setup for incorporating filtration via mycelium into urban streams and storm drains. I am optimistic that my work can contribute to sustainable solutions to water pollution.
