With that in mind, the researchers decided to test out how effective the leftover mushroom substrate could be in removing contaminating substances from water.
A 2023 report by the European Union's lending arm, the European Investment Bank (EIB), highlighted that conventional wastewater treatment methods do not fully remove micropollutants.
In April, EU lawmakers approved new measures for urban wastewater treatment.
In New Zealand, researchers have used fungi to treat soil contaminated by the pesticide PCP.
"For example, integrating an extra treatment step into an existing wastewater treatment system requires an upfront investment to change the existing infrastructure," she said.
Persons:
van Brenk, hadn't, Van Brenk, Diane Purchase, Micaela Mafla Endara, Endara
Organizations:
Getty, Research, Utrecht University, CNBC, Brunel University London, University of Portsmouth, European Investment Bank, Middlesex University, Lund University
Locations:
Netherlands, Germany, England, Sonoma County , California, New Zealand, Cleveland , Ohio, Sweden