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Mechanistic study for mutual interactions of Pb2+ and Trichoderma viride
Dongxia Luo1, Shirong Qiang2, Rongyue Geng3
1College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Gansu Analysis and Research Center, Lanzhou 730000, China.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|February 17, 2022
Summary
This study reveals how Trichoderma viride interacts with lead ions (Pb2+), showing fungal adaptation and detoxification mechanisms. The research highlights fungal biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biomineralization of lead in environmental geochemistry.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Biogeochemistry
- Mycology
Background:
- Fungi are crucial in environmental heavy metal cycling.
- Cellular-level interactions between heavy metals and fungi are complex and not fully understood.
- Lead (Pb2+) poses environmental risks and its interaction with fungal species requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mutual interaction mechanism between lead ions (Pb2+) and the fungus Trichoderma viride.
- To investigate the cellular responses and adaptation strategies of T. viride to Pb2+ exposure.
- To explore the role of T. viride in lead biogeochemical processes, including biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biomineralization.
Main Methods:
- Batch experiments to assess Pb2+ toxicity and fungal biomass changes.
- Spectroscopic techniques including FT-IR, XPS, XRD, and SEM-EDX for chemical and structural analysis.
- In vitro approaches, including Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), to visualize cellular distribution of Pb2+.
Main Results:
- Pb2+ exhibited toxicity to T. viride, reducing biomass and causing mycelial structural damage, with effects increasing at higher concentrations.
- T. viride demonstrated adaptive growth and altered intracellular/extracellular secretions in response to varying Pb2+ concentrations, involving metallothionein (MT).
- T. viride bio-adsorbed and bioaccumulated significant amounts of Pb2+, primarily on its membrane, facilitated by functional groups (carbonyl, phosphate, amino) and potentially involving biomineralization and reduction processes.
Conclusions:
- Trichoderma viride possesses mechanisms to adapt to and detoxify Pb2+ exposure.
- The fungus actively participates in lead biogeochemical cycling through biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biomineralization.
- Understanding these fungal-metal interactions is vital for environmental remediation strategies involving heavy metals.
