Assessment of Native Wild Macromycete Strains for Mycoremediation of Copper-Contaminated Soils in Coffee Plantations

This study evaluates the mycoremediation potential of wild mushroom species from Chiapas, Mexico, specifically for high copper concentrations. Nine fungal carpophores were collected from tropical forests near coffee plantations. The morphological characteristics of the fungal strains and fruiting bodies were analyzed. Each specimen was identified through sequencing using the ITS1 and ITS4 primers. The ability to tolerate different concentrations of copper was evaluated by determining the fungal mycelial growth inhibition potential. Copper bioaccumulation by the fungi was quantified using biosorption assays with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The enzymatic activity of laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase from the fungal species was also determined in the presence of copper. Phylogenetic analysis identified the fungal species as Agaricus bisporus, A. subrufescens, Calvatia fragilis, Ganoderma coffeatum, G. lucidum, Pleurotus djmor, P. floridanus, Trametes elegans, and T. versicolor, all classified within the Agaromycetes class. The nine fungal species exhibited varying abilities to tolerate Cu2+ concentrations from 30 to 100 mg L−1. At 30 and 60 mg L−1 Cu2+, the G. lucidum H14-35 strain demonstrated the highest biosorption capacity, reaching 76.97%. Overall, the mushrooms in this study showed strong Cu2⁺ tolerance and biosorption, making them promising biomaterials for remediating copper-contaminated soils.