The ubiquitous presence of microbes in the environment inevitably leads to their interaction with metals and minerals present in their surroundings. Microbes exhibit the remarkable capability to modify the physical and chemical properties of minerals, thereby utilising them for growth and survival in harsh conditions. Geomycology delves into exploring these interactions, particularly focusing on fungal microbes and their relationship with geological processes. Fungi, often overlooked in traditional ecological frameworks, play crucial roles in biogeochemical cycles by mediating the transformation and redistribution of essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. This chapter aims to highlight the intricate mechanisms by which fungi modulate nutrient dynamics and elemental cycles in soil, sediments and other environments. From the breakdown of organic matter through saprotrophic decomposition to the establishment of symbiotic relationships mediated by mycorrhiza and lichens, fungi demonstrate remarkable adaptability in shaping and contributing to geochemical cycles. Various biological processes such as biomineralisation, biological element cycle, rock and mineral transformation, carbon sequestration, bioweathering and metal-fungi interaction influence the dynamics of microbial communities by contributing to mineral weathering and nutrient availability. Moreover, certain fungal transformations hold practical significance in environmental biotechnology, facilitating metal leaching, recovery and detoxification alongside the degradation of xenobiotic and organic pollutants. However, these mechanisms can also lead to adverse effects when involved in the degradation of natural products and building materials. This chapter draws attention to a deeper understanding of fungal contributions to ecological dynamics and the potential for the utilisation of fungal resources for applications in diverse biotechnological fields.

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Geomycology: Exploring Fungal Roles in Elemental Cycling

  • Sheetal Joshi,
  • Santa Ram Joshi

摘要

The ubiquitous presence of microbes in the environment inevitably leads to their interaction with metals and minerals present in their surroundings. Microbes exhibit the remarkable capability to modify the physical and chemical properties of minerals, thereby utilising them for growth and survival in harsh conditions. Geomycology delves into exploring these interactions, particularly focusing on fungal microbes and their relationship with geological processes. Fungi, often overlooked in traditional ecological frameworks, play crucial roles in biogeochemical cycles by mediating the transformation and redistribution of essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. This chapter aims to highlight the intricate mechanisms by which fungi modulate nutrient dynamics and elemental cycles in soil, sediments and other environments. From the breakdown of organic matter through saprotrophic decomposition to the establishment of symbiotic relationships mediated by mycorrhiza and lichens, fungi demonstrate remarkable adaptability in shaping and contributing to geochemical cycles. Various biological processes such as biomineralisation, biological element cycle, rock and mineral transformation, carbon sequestration, bioweathering and metal-fungi interaction influence the dynamics of microbial communities by contributing to mineral weathering and nutrient availability. Moreover, certain fungal transformations hold practical significance in environmental biotechnology, facilitating metal leaching, recovery and detoxification alongside the degradation of xenobiotic and organic pollutants. However, these mechanisms can also lead to adverse effects when involved in the degradation of natural products and building materials. This chapter draws attention to a deeper understanding of fungal contributions to ecological dynamics and the potential for the utilisation of fungal resources for applications in diverse biotechnological fields.