Interactions among microfungi and pyrite-chalcopyrite mineralizations. Tolerance, mineral bioleaching, and metal bioaccumulation
Abandoned sulfide mines represent one of the most important causes of pollution in the world. These environments are characterized by the absence of a real soil and plant life and are colonized only by pioneer microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Mycelial fungi interact with mineral compounds through many direct or indirect strategies develop a significant biomass in soil and sequester significant amounts of metals. In this study, three fungal species (Penicillium brevicompactum, P.