Application of mushrooms in the degradation of xenobiotic components and the reduction of pesticides

Abstract

Mushroom enzymatic substrates possess a high structural homology with various xenobiotic chemicals with pharmacophoric features of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrotoluenes pentachlorophenol, pesticides, dioxins, dyes, lignin, and cellulose derivatives. The chapter therefore is kept forth to elaborate the importance of mushroom in mycoremediation. To highlight the importance, the chapter is enriched with broader discussion on essential chemicals and enzymes from mushroom involved in mycoremediation. The need for degradation, mechanism involved along with the numerous factors influencing the bioremediation by mushroom along with its limitations are kept forth. The chapter will provide enough scope for the ecologist, chemists, and environmentalist to explore the mushroom as a game-changer in reducing waste accumulation and, at the same time, explore the possibilities of nutritious food source for an ever-expanding population. © 2022 Sanju Bala Dhull, Aarti Bains, Prince Chawla, and Pardeep Kumar Sadh. All rights reserved.