Mycoremediation of Mercury: Investigating Detoxification Mechanisms in Selected Fungal Species
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63561/jabs.v2i4.1007Keywords:
Mercury (Hg) contamination, Toxicity, Bioaccumulation, Bioremediation, metallothioneinsAbstract
Mercury (Hg) contamination poses a critical threat to environmental and human health due to its toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulative nature. Understanding microbial mechanisms for mercury detoxification is essential for developing sustainable bioremediation strategies. This review highlights key mechanisms employed by fungi to mitigate mercury toxicity, including resistance, bioaccumulation, and biosorption. Resistance mechanisms are primarily mediated by the mer operon, with enzymes like MerA and MerB facilitating mercury reduction and detoxification. Fungi also bioaccumulate mercury through passive and active transport systems, binding it to intracellular proteins such as metallothioneins. Additionally, fungal biomass live or dead—can effectively adsorb mercury via cell wall functional groups through biosorption. Fungal metabolites, particularly low molecular mass organic acids, further influence mercury mobility and sequestration in the environment. The effectiveness of bioremediation is influenced by numerous factors, including environmental conditions such as pH, oxygen, and water availability, microbial community characteristics, and nutrient availability. Fungi demonstrate notable advantages in bioremediation due to their tolerance to harsh conditions, extensive hyphal growth, and secretion of extracellular enzymes. In Nigeria, multiple studies have demonstrated the bioremediation potential of fungi and other microbes for petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals, including mercury, in contaminated environments. The findings underscore the promising role of fungal-based biotechnologies in addressing environmental pollution, particularly in regions heavily impacted by industrial activities.
References
Abatenh, E., Gizaw, B., Tsegaye, Z., & Wassie, M. (2017). The role of microorganisms in bioremediation-A review. Open Journal of Environmental Biology, 2(1), 038-046.
Adesemoye, A. O., Opere, B. O., & Makinde, S. C. O. (2006). Microbial content of abattoir wastewater and its contaminated soil in Lagos, Nigeria. African Journal of biotechnology, 5(20).
Adesina, A. O., Ogunyebi, A. L., Fingesi, T. S., & Oludoye, O. O. (2018). Assessment of Kara abattoir effluent on the water quality of Ogun River, Nigeria. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 22(9), 1461-1466.
Ahmad, A., Mustafa, G., Rana, A., & Zia, A. R. (2023). Improvements in bioremediation agents and their modified strains in mediating environmental pollution. Current Microbiology, 80(6), 208.
Ajibade, F. O., Adeniran, K. A., & Egbuna, C. K. (2013). Phytoremediation efficiencies of water hyacinth in removing heavy metals in domestic sewage (A Case Study of University of Ilorin, Nigeria). The International Journal of Engineering and Science, 2(12), 16-27.
Akinbile, C. O., Ikuomola, B. T., Olanrewaju, O. O., & Babalola, T. E. (2019). Assessing the efficacy of Azolla pinnata in four different wastewater treatment for agricultural re-use: A case history. Sustainable Water Resources Management, 5, 1009-1015.
Alori, E. T., Joseph, A., Adebiyi, O. T. V., Ajibola, P. A., & Onyekankeya, C. (2018). Bioremediation potentials of sunflower and Pseudomonas species in soil contaminated with lead and zinc. African Journal of Biotechnology, 17(44), 1324-1330.
Anas, M., Falak, A., Hassan, S., Khattak, W. A., Saleem, M. H., Khan, K. A., ... & Fahad, S. (2025). Microbial Interactions and Bacterial Responses to Metal Stress in Plants: Mechanisms, Adaptations, and Applications for Sustainable Agriculture. Journal of Crop Health, 77(1), 36.
Ariyo, A. B., & Obire, O. M. O. K. A. R. O. (2016). Microbial population and hydrocarbon utilizing microorganism from Abattoir soils in the Niger Delta. Curr. Stud. Comp. Educ. Sci. Technol, 3, 228-237.
Ash, C., Tejnecký, V., Borůvka, L., & Drábek, O. (2016). Different low-molecular-mass organic acids specifically control leaching of arsenic and lead from contaminated soil. Journal of contaminant hydrology, 187, 18-30.
Atikpo, E., & Micheal, A. (2018). Performance evaluation of six microorganisms utilized for the treatment of Lead contaminated agricultural soil. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 22(7), 1105-1109.
Atuanya, E. I., Nwogu, N. A., & Orah, C. U. (2018). Antibiotic resistance and plasmid profiles of bacteria isolated from abattoir effluents around Ikpoba river in Benin city, Nigeria. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 22(11), 1749-1755.
Ayele, A., Haile, S., Alemu, D., & Kamaraj, M. (2021). Comparative utilization of dead and live fungal biomass for the removal of heavy metal: a concise review. The Scientific World Journal, 2021(1), 5588111.
Bhandari, S., Poudel, D. K., Marahatha, R., Dawadi, S., Khadayat, K., Phuyal, S., ... & Parajuli, N. (2021). Microbial enzymes used in bioremediation. Journal of Chemistry, 2021(1), 8849512
Chang, J., Duan, Y., Dong, J., Shen, S., Si, G., He, F., ... & Chen, J. (2019). Bioremediation of Hg-contaminated soil by combining a novel Hg-volatilizing Lecythophora sp. fungus, DC-F1, with biochar: Performance and the response of soil fungal community. Science of the Total Environment, 671, 676-684.
Chang, J., Shi, Y., Si, G., Yang, Q., Dong, J., & Chen, J. (2020). The bioremediation potentials and mercury (II)-resistant mechanisms of a novel fungus Penicillium spp. DC-F11 isolated from contaminated soil. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 396, 122638.
Charkiewicz, A. E., Omeljaniuk, W. J., Garley, M., & Nikliński, J. (2025). Mercury Exposure and Health Effects: What Do We Really Know?. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(5), 2326.
Davidova, S., Milushev, V., & Satchanska, G. (2024). The Mechanisms of Cadmium Toxicity in Living Organisms. Toxics, 12(12), 875.
Doku, T. E., & Belford, E. J. D. (2015). The potential of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger in bioaccumulation of heavy metals from the Chemu Lagoon, Ghana. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 94, 8907-8914.
Domingues, M. P., Almeida, A., Serafim Leal, L., Gomes, N. C., & Cunha, Â. (2017). Bacterial production of biosurfactants under microaerobic and anaerobic conditions. Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology, 16, 239-272.
Durand, A., Maillard, F., Foulon, J., & Chalot, M. (2020). Interactions between Hg and soil microbes: microbial diversity and mechanisms, with an emphasis on fungal processes. Applied microbiology and biotechnology, 104, 9855-9876.
Ekundayo, F. O., Olukunle, O. F., & Ekundayo, E. A. (2012). Biodegradation of Bonnylight crude oil by locally isolated fungi from oil contaminated soils in Akure, Ondo state. Malaysian Journal of Microbiology, 8(1), 42-46.
Ezeonuegbu, B. A., Machido, D. A., & Yakubu, S. E. (2015). Capacity of fungal genera isolated from refinery effluents to remove and bioaccumulate lead, nickel and cadmium from refinery waste. The International Journal of Science and Technoledge, 3(6), 47.
Fragkou, E., Antoniou, E., Daliakopoulos, I., Manios, T., Theodorakopoulou, M., & Kalogerakis, N. (2021). In situ aerobic bioremediation of sediments polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons: a critical review. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 9(9), 1003.
Goswami, M., Chakraborty, P., Mukherjee, K., Mitra, G., Bhattacharyya, P., Dey, S., & Tribedi, P. (2018). Bioaugmentation and biostimulation: a potential strategy for environmental remediation. J Microbiol Exp, 6(5), 223-231.
Hoque, E., & Fritscher, J. (2016). A new mercury‐accumulating Mucor hiemalis strain EH8 from cold sulfidic spring water biofilms. MicrobiologyOpen, 5(5), 763-781.
Joseph, M. O., Ibrahim, B., Zaky, S. K., Abdulkadir, S., & Auta, I. K. (2021). Bacterial assessment of effluents from selected abattoirs into adjoining water bodies in Kaduna Metropolis. Science World Journal, 16(1), 29-34.
Ite, A. E., Ufot, U. F., Ite, M. U., Isaac, I. O., & Ibok, U. J. (2016). Petroleum industry in Nigeria: Environmental issues, national environmental legislation and implementation of international environmental law. American Journal of Environmental Protection, 4(1), 21-37.
Kebede, G., Tafese, T., Abda, E. M., Kamaraj, M., & Assefa, F. (2021). Factors influencing the bacterial bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminants in the soil: mechanisms and impacts. Journal of Chemistry, 2021(1), 9823362.
Kapoor, A., Viraraghavan, T., & Cullimore, D. R. (1999). Removal of heavy metals using the fungus Aspergillus niger. Bioresource technology, 70(1), 95-104.
Kim, K. H., Kabir, E., & Jahan, S. A. (2016). A review on the distribution of Hg in the environment and its human health impacts. Journal of hazardous materials, 306, 376-385.
Kumar, L., Chugh, M., Kumar, S., Kumar, K., Sharma, J., & Bharadvaja, N. (2022). Remediation of petrorefinery wastewater contaminants: A review on physicochemical and bioremediation strategies. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 159, 362-375.
Li, X., Zhang, D., Sheng, F., & Qing, H. (2018). Adsorption characteristics of Copper (Ⅱ), Zinc (Ⅱ) and Mercury (Ⅱ) by four kinds of immobilized fungi residues. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 147, 357-366.
Liu, L., Li, W., Song, W., & Guo, M. (2018). Remediation techniques for heavy metal-contaminated soils: Principles and applicability. Science of the total environment, 633, 206-219.
Mae, F., Mae, R., & Marie, E. (2025). Assessing the Sources and Risks of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 10(3), 2318-2327.
Mafiana, M. O., Bashiru, M. D., Erhunmwunsee, F., Dirisu, C. G., & Li, S. W. (2021). An insight into the current oil spills and on-site bioremediation approaches to contaminated sites in Nigeria. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28, 4073-4094.
Mshelia, M. S., Jones, A. N., & Yadima, S. G. (2022). Bioremediation of soil polluted with cadmium and zinc using microflora from abattoir effluent. Nigerian Journal of Engineering, 29(3), 28-36.
Nascimento, A. M., & Chartone-Souza, E. (2003). Operon mer: bacterial resistance to mercury and potential for bioremediation of contaminated environments. Genetics and molecular research, 2(1), 92-101.
Nwagwu, E. C., Yilwa, V. M., Egbe, N. E., & Onwumere, G. B. (2017). Isolation and characterization of heavy metal tolerant bacteria from Panteka stream, Kaduna, Nigeria and their potential for bioremediation. African Journal of Biotechnology, 16(1), 32-40.
Nwankwegu, A. S., & Onwosi, C. O. (2017). Bioremediation of gasoline contaminated agricultural soil by bioaugmentation. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 7, 1-11.
Obire, O., Anyanwu, E. C., & Okigbo, R. N. (2008). Saprophytic and crude oil degrading fungi from cow dung and poultry droppings as bioremediating agents. Journal of Agricultural Technology, 4(2), 81-89.
Obukohwo, K., Vantsawa, P. A., Dibal, D. M., Ijah, U. J. J., Onwumere, G. B., & Ndibe, T. O. (2020). Screening of fungi isolates from Kaduna refinery effluent and Romi river and their potential for bioremediation. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 24(9), 1655-1662.
Offiong, N. A. O., Inam, E. J., Etuk, H. S., & Essien, J. P. (2019). Current status and challenges of remediating petroleum‐derived PAHs in soils: Nigeria as a case study for developing countries. Remediation Journal, 30(1), 65-75.
Okougbo, A. E., Bello, Y. M., & De, N. (2016). Biodegradation of crude oil, refinery effluent and some petroleum components by Penicillium Sp. and Mortierella Sp. isolated from oil contaminated soil in auto mechanic workshops. In International Conference on African Development Issues (pp. 407-412).
Pande, V., Pandey, S. C., Sati, D., Pande, V., & Samant, M. (2020). Bioremediation: an emerging effective approach towards environment restoration. Environmental Sustainability, 3, 91-103.
Parida, L. (2025). Fungal Bioremediation: A Sustainable Solution to Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contamination. In Environmental Hydrocarbon Pollution and Zero Waste Approach Towards a Sustainable Waste Management (pp. 175-199). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Periakaruppan, R., Vanathi, P., & Priyanka, G. (2025). Mycoremediation—A Sustainable Clear Technology for Environmental Remediation. In Sustainable Environmental Remediation: Avenues in Nano and Biotechnology (pp. 321-351). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Priya, A. K., Gnanasekaran, L., Dutta, K., Rajendran, S., Balakrishnan, D., & Soto-Moscoso, M. (2022). Biosorption of heavy metals by microorganisms: Evaluation of different underlying mechanisms. Chemosphere, 307, 135957.
Sarkar, A., & Bhattacharjee, S. (2025). Biofilm-mediated bioremediation of xenobiotics and heavy metals: a comprehensive review of microbial ecology, molecular mechanisms, and emerging biotechnological applications. 3 Biotech, 15(4), 1-30.
Singh, S. K., Wu, X., Shao, C., & Zhang, H. (2022). Microbial enhancement of plant nutrient acquisition. Stress Biology, 2(1), 3.
Smith, E., Thavamani, P., Ramadass, K., Naidu, R., Srivastava, P., & Megharaj, M. (2015). Remediation trials for hydrocarbon-contaminated soils in arid environments: evaluation of bioslurry and biopiling techniques. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 101, 56-65.
Thakur, R., Joshi, V., Sahoo, G. C., Jindal, N., Tiwari, R. R., & Rana, S. (2025). Review of mechanisms and impacts of nanoplastic toxicity in aquatic organisms and potential impacts on human health. Toxicology Reports, 102013.
Ubogu, M., Odokuma, L. O., & Akponah, E. (2019). Enhanced rhizoremediation of crude oil–contaminated mangrove swamp soil using two wetland plants (Phragmites australis and Eichhornia crassipes). Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 50(3), 715-728.
Ugya, A. Y., Tahir, S. M., & Imam, T. S. (2015). The efficiency of Pistia stratiotes in the phytoremediation of Romi stream: A case study of Kaduna refinery and petrochemical company polluted stream. Int. J. Health Sci. Res, 5, 492-497.
Vanishree, M., Thatheyus, A. J., & Ramya, D. (2014). Biodegradation of petrol using Aspergillus sp.914-923.
Venâncio, C. (2025). The Quirky Rot Fungi: Underexploited Potential for Soil Remediation and Rehabilitation. Applied Sciences (2076-3417), 15(3).
Yusuf, H. H., Roddick, F., Jegatheesan, V., Jefferson, B., Gao, L., & Pramanik, B. K. (2024). Uncovering the impact of metals on the formation and physicochemical properties of fat, oil and grease deposits in the sewer system. Chemosphere, 364, 143033.
