Bioremediation and sustainable mushroom cultivation: harnessing the lignocellulolytic power of Pleurotus species on waste substrates

Mushrooms, a diverse group of fungi, has captivated human interest for centuries due to their intriguing characteristics and versatile application. The nutritional profile, coupled with unique organoleptic qualities, renders mushrooms not only a culinary delight, but also a valuable component of a balanced diet. In addition, mushrooms have gained recognition for their medicinal properties due to certain compounds found within them that exhibit promising pharmacological activities. Among the edible mushrooms, the Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) is commercially important in the global mushroom market and is widely cultivated and consumed in various parts of the world. Beyond the culinary appeal and medicinal properties of Pleurotus species, their cultivation holds an important environmental significance. These mushrooms are efficient decomposers of lignocellulosic biomass, contributing to agricultural and forestry waste recycling. Many researchers have demonstrated how their cultivation can serve as a sustainable practice, reducing the environmental impact of organic waste while generating a valuable food resource. In Sri Lanka, oyster mushroom cultivation is practiced on a small scale as a self-employed cottage industry. Four main species of oyster mushrooms, namely P. djamor, P. eous, P. ostreatus, and P. cystidiosus, are commercially cultivated in Sri Lanka. Obtaining an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable substrate is a key factor in promoting the mushroom industry within the country, ensuring export-quality mushroom production. Recently, there have been some attempts to use unconventional substrate materials, such as used diapers, as an innovative and eco-friendly approach, where the high cellulose content of diapers serves as a substrate for fungal growth, while, repurposing problematic non-biodegradable waste streams for agricultural practices. a.