Mycoremediation of Soil Contaminated with Cadmium and Lead by Trichoderma sp.

Abstract Conducted research determined the effect of the Trichoderma fungi on the presence of cadmium and lead ions in the soil contaminated by mentioned elements. The aim of the study was to demonstrate whether the fungi of this kind can contribute to remediation of soil by the immobilization of heavy metals. Experiments were conducted in laboratory conditions. The vaccine containing spores of Trichoderma asperellum was introduced into the soil contaminated with cadmium and lead by direct injection. Analyses of the soluble fraction of selected heavy metals were performed after 3 and 15 days of cultivation using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Statistical significant positive effects on the immobilization of lead ions and no statistical differences in inhibition of cadmium translocation were observed. The results showed that Trichoderma fungi are suited to support the process of environment remediation by removal of lead. This suggests possible application of Trichoderma asperellum in mycoremediation and supporting role in phytoremediation of soil.