Fungal-based remediation of carcinogenic heavy metals: A mini review

Carcinogenic heavy metals are specific metals that significantly contribute to high prevalence of cancer and other cancer-related conditions in humans and other animals. These metals often enter the environment through mining, agriculture, disposal of waste and industrial processes posing significant threats to public health and environmental integrity. The removal of these metals by conventional remediation techniques are often expensive and may impose negative environmental impacts. This review explores the role of fungi (as individual colonies and in consortia) in the bioremediation of carcinogenic heavy metals, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. Fungi possess unique physiological and morphological characteristics that enable them to withstand, accumulate, and convert various heavy metals through mechanisms like biosorption, bioaccumulation and enzymatic transformation. The paper discusses specific fungal species that effectively remediate carcinogenic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury and nickel. Despite recent advancements in fungal bioremediation over the past years, a comprehensive review detailing the fungal species utilized and the specific heavy metals targeted for remediation remains unavailable.