Toxic metalloids including arsenic (As) can neither be eliminated nor destroyed from environment; however, they can be converted from toxic to less/non-toxic forms. The form of As species and their concentration determines its toxicity.
Fungi provide ecosystem services also through the activity of transforming and detoxifying pollutants. For this reason, learning from nature, they represent an effective toolbox for a sustainable bioremediation of potentially toxic elements and pesticides in soil and water.
In this context, the role of As tolerant saprotrophic fungal species, isolated from natural areas with high As concentrations, and As chemical species will be explored in order to find the best candidates as bioresources for bioremediation.
The present project aims to provide a comprehensive study of some of the most promising processes mediated by plant and fungi in assisted phytoremediation and to illustrate how such processes influence As uptake through various biogeochemical processes, ultimately facilitating phytoremediation.
