Myco-Barriers As Sustainable Tool for Port Seawater Decontamination from Metals

Several inputs of metal contamination can affect port seawater, such as industries and sludges. Despite the urge of developing new techniques to face this problem, most of the studies focus on traditional methods of remediation. Bioremediation by fungi represents an innovative and sustainable tool to efficiently remove metals from seawaters. The study’s aim is to develop a new green technology using fungi (myco-barriers) to maintain a good standard for water quality in port areas. A large commercial port (Port of Genoa) and a small marina (Port of Cavo) in Italy were chosen as pilot sites. Myco-barriers were realised by inoculating sterile straw and sawdust with mycelium of macro- and microfungi. After the incubation, myco-barriers were placed in the ports and sampled after 15 and 30 days to verify metal bioaccumulation. Myco-barriers with macrofungi showed the tendency to bioaccumulate more efficiently after 15 treatment days (Zn 7.0 mg kg−1, Cu 6.5 mg kg−1, Pb 1.2 mg kg−1), while myco-barriers with microfungi showed higher bioaccumulation after 30 days (Ni 0.6 mg kg−1, Pb 0.6 mg kg−1, Cu 5 mg kg−1). Results showed that myco-barriers have metal bioaccumulation potential and can represent a significant alternative to traditional techniques of remediation (chemical–physical).