Mushroom Substrate Research Articles

Porous red mud ceramsite for aquatic phosphorus removal: Application in constructed wetlands

Red mud (RM) and spent oyster mushroom substrate (SOMS), by-products of industrial and agricultural production, can be recycled for polluted freshwater purification, bringing about a win-win situation. In this study, unacidified RM and RM acidified with oxalic acid (O-RM) and hydrochloric acid (H-RM), respectively, were mixed with SOMS to produce a porous ceramsite as a potential constructed wetlands (CWs) substrate. The results showed that the O-RM, H-RM, and RM ceramsites displayed fine compressive strengths of 7.75 ± 1.14, 8.40 ± 1.30, and 8.84 ± 0.69 MPa after calcining at 950 °C for 30 min, respectively. The phosphorus adsorption capacities of H-RM, O-RM, and RM ceramsite at a solid-liquid ratio of 25 g/L were 1.18 mg/g, 0.88 mg/g, and 1.06 mg/g, respectively. Toxicity release experiments showed that the ceramsites did not cause secondary environmental pollution, except for arsenic (ranging from 0.210 to 0.238 mg/L). The H-RM ceramsite was tested in a tidal flow-vertical flow CW (TF-VFCW) with Iris pseudacorus L. and Canna indica L plants. In the TF-VFCW, the average chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) removal rates were 81.01, 90.25, 66.90, and 77.32 %, respectively. Plant growth had less impact on COD and NH4-N removal but had greater limited TN and TP removal. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that acid pretreatment and the incorporation of SOMS significantly increased the surface and interior porous structures of the ceramsite and enhanced phosphate adsorption by the polyhydroxyl aluminum-iron complex ions. Bacteroides and Campylobacter used the energy produced during polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA) catabolism to absorb phosphorus. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the substrate, plants, and microorganisms achieved the removal of phosphorus from CWs and offered effective and environmentally friendly recycling of RM and SOMS.

Effect of Composted Organic Waste on Miscanthus sinensis Andersson Yield, Morphological Characteristics and Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Content

The aim of this research was to determine the impact of composted mushroom substrate and composted municipal waste on the quality and yield of Miscanthus sinensis Andersson biomass. The plant was grown on anthropogenic soil, cultured earth type and hortisol subtype, with a pH of 6.81. Before planting rhizomes, experimental plots were treated with composted mushroom substrate and composted municipal waste, applied separately or in combination, each dose introducing 170 N kg·ha−1 to the soil. During the experiment, observations of plant development and growth were carried out, and the yield was determined. Each growing season’s measurements were taken of the grass height, the number and diameter of stems and the number of leaf blades and of nodes per stem. In order to determine the level of plant stress, relative chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were determined. The measurements were carried out in a non-invasive way, using the SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter and OS30p+ plant stress meter. For the research hypothesis, it was assumed that the one-time addition of composted mushroom substrate and composted municipal waste to the soil would increase yields. The experiment also aimed to assess the impact of both types of compost on the yield and morphological characteristics of Miscanthus sinensis. Its yields increased steadily, and, in the third year of cultivation, were higher by 52%. The highest average yields were noted on plots fertilized only with composted mushroom substrate (KPP100%), with 8.44 Mg·ha−1 DM, and with compost from municipal waste (KOM100%), with 7.91 Mg·ha−1 DM. The experience presents a solution to the problem of increasing amounts of organic waste and represents an improvement in cultivation techniques to increase crop yields, improve their quality and increase resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. This paper highlights the possibility of applying environmentally friendly organic waste materials to energy crops used as a sustainable energy source.

Bio-preparation of CuO@ZnO nanocomposite via spent mushroom substrate and its application against Candida albicans with molecular docking study

Bio-preparation of CuO@ZnO nanocomposite via spent mushroom substrate and its application against Candida albicans with molecular docking study

Spent Mushroom Substrate Improves Microbial Quantities and Enzymatic Activity in Soils of Different Farming Systems.

Organic fertilizers, such as spent mushroom substrate (SMS), improve soil fertility, but studies comparing their effects on different agricultural soils are limited. In this study, the effects of standard, SMS and composed fertilizers on soils from conventional-integrated, organic and biodynamic farming were investigated. Soil samples were analyzed for microorganisms and the activity of β-glucosidase (β-GLU), β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), urease (URE), arylamidase (ARN), phosphatase (PHOS), acid phosphatase (PAC), alkaline phosphatase (PAH) and arylsulphatase (ARS). Biodynamic soil showed the highest microbial counts and enzyme activities, followed by organic and conventional soils. SMS significantly increased the number of microorganisms and enzyme activities, especially in biodynamic and organic soils. Seasonal variations affected all microorganisms and most enzymes in all soils, except NAG in conventional and organic soils. Biodynamic soil showed stable activity of enzymes and microorganisms throughout the year, indicating greater stability. This study concludes that soil microorganisms and enzyme activities respond differently to fertilization depending on the soil type, with SMS demonstrating beneficial effects in all tested soils.

Effects of aging processes on spent mushroom Substrate-Derived Biochar: Adsorption characteristics of Cd(II) and Cr(VI)

To explore how chemical, physical and biological process impact the adsorption capacity of biochar for cations and anions, five kinds of spent mushroom substrate biochars including PB (carbonized Auricularia auricula substrate at 600 °C for 6 h), NB (Aged PB at 25 °C and 40 % moisture for 12 mon), AB (PB treated with 20 % mixed acid solution at 70 °C for 6 h), FB (PB subjected to 16 freeze–thaw cycles between − 20 °C and 25 °C) and MB (PB incubated with microbes from contaminated soil for 15 cycles) were prepared under simulated conditions, the internal mechanisms were revealed. Results showed that all aging processes caused a variation in crystal quantity and structure on different biochar. AB, NB and MB had higher hydrophilicity and polarity, and more positive charges than PB. Moreover, AB and MB had a higher cation exchange capacity (CEC) (70.7 and 75.3 cmol/kg) and more oxygen-containing functional groups than PB. MB has the maximum adsorption capacity for Cd(II) (24.2 mg/g), followed by PB (23.5 mg/g), FB (22.7 mg/g), NB (22.2 mg/g), and AB (22.0 mg/g). Langmuir model better described the Cd(II) adsorption onto NB, FB, and PB, while Freundlich better described AB and MB. As for Cr(VI), the maximum adsorption capacity followed the order: MB (24.1 mg/g) > AB (23.7 mg/g) > FB (23.5 mg/g) > PB (23.0 mg/g) > NB (22.7 mg/g). Langmuir model was better for Cr(VI) adsorption onto FB and PB, while Freundlich was better for AB, NB and MB. The pseudo-first-order kinetic model fits for Cd adsorption by FB，while the pseudo-second-order kinetic model fit for the adsorption of Cd and Cr by other biochars. The adsorption of Cr by all biochars was significantly related to the content of lactone group. Acidification and organic acids from microorganisms increased the pHPZC values of AB and MB, which was not conducive to the adsorption of Cd. The surface fragmentation of FB caused by the freezing and thawing process promoted its adsorption of Cd.

Plant-Derived Waste as a Component of Growing Media: Manifestations, Assessments, and Sources of Their Phytotoxicity.

Every year, approximately 2 billion tons of plant-derived waste (such as straw and crop residues) are generated globally, most of which are either incinerated, dumped, or landfilled without proper planning, leading to severe environmental pollution and resource wastage. Plant-derived waste exhibits potential advantages as a growing media component in various aspects. However, numerous studies have also indicated that plant-derived waste generally possesses strong phytotoxicity, which must be removed or reduced before being utilized as a growing media component. Therefore, accurately assessing their phytotoxicity and appropriately modifying it to ensure their support for plant growth when used as a growing media component is crucial. This paper reviews the manifestation and assessment methods of phytotoxicity in plant-derived waste; systematically summarizes the phytotoxicity sources of three common types of plant-derived waste (garden waste, crop straw, and spent mushroom substrate), as well as the toxic mechanisms of two representative phytotoxic substances (phenolic compounds and organic acids); and proposes some insights into further research directions. By consolidating insights from these studies, this review aims to deepen our understanding of phytotoxicity and its implications, and offer valuable references and guidance for future research endeavors and practical applications.

Valorization of Spent Mushroom Substrate (SMS) as a sustainable approach to remediation of xenobiotic compounds in groundwater - A comprehensive review

In the present era of the industrial revolution, chemical-based agriculture practices, and urbanization, the environment has severe repercussions from various xenobiotics and has become a pitfall worldwide. Xenobiotic compounds such as heavy metals, dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oil spills, pharmaceuticals' active compounds (PhACs), and agrochemicals show detrimental effects on the environment through long-term persistence causing biomagnification, pollution, etc. In the last few decades, researchers have dedicated themselves to developing different physical and chemical remediation methods, although facing several drawbacks and challenges and searching for eco-friendly alternatives like bioremediation. Conventionally bioremediation utilizes biological agents such as plants, microbes, fungi, etc. To reduce environmental pollutants' effects. Although conventional bioremediation has certain limitations, SMS (spent mushroom substrate) has recently drawn great attention worldwide because of its low cost, environment-friendly nature, easy availability, and higher remediation efficiency. Scientists have used waste mushroom SMS for bioremediation purposes for various xenobiotic compounds. Therefore, the present review's foremost aim is to encompass the role of mushroom SMS in the remediation of xenobiotic compounds, techniques for studying the adsorbent properties of SMS, factors affecting the adsorption process, and the probable mechanism involved in its remediation process. This study has noteworthy findings implying that eco-friendly multi-purpose SMS has great efficacy against environmental contaminants, and its removal efficiency gets increased with combinatorial approaches like SMS amendments (biochar, etc), phytoremediation, rhizoremediation, and nanoremediation. Various mechanisms, including ion exchange, free radical reactions, enzymatic processes, microbe-mediated remediation, permeation, and chelation, may play a role in SMS-mediated groundwater and environmental contaminant remediation.

The effects of organic waste materials on Miscanthus × giganteus yield and Zn and Ni content

The aim of the experiment was to determine the yield of Miscanthus × giganteus M 19 in the first three years of cultivation and its bioaccumulation of Zn and Ni in aboveground and underground parts in response to different doses of sewage sludge and substrate left after the production of white mushrooms. Miscanthus × giganteus is a grass species that adapts to different environmental conditions and can be grown in various climatic zones of Europe and North America. In April 2018 the experiment was established in a randomized block design and with four replications in central-eastern Poland. Waste organic materials (municipal sewage sludge and mushroom substrate) were applied to the soil in 2018 in the spring before the rhizomes of giant miscanthus were planted. Each year (from 2018 to 2020) biomass was harvested in December. The yield of fresh and dry matter and the total content of Zn and Ni, after wet mineralization of plant samples, were determined by optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). After the third year of cultivation, the content of Zn and Ni in rhizomes and in the soil was determined again. In relation to control, an increase in the yield of miscanthus biomass in response to organic waste materials was noted. Plants responded to mushroom substrate (SMS) with the highest average yield (16.89 Mgha−1DM), while on the control plot it was 13.86 Mg ha−1DM. After the third year of cultivation, rhizomes of Miscanthus x giganteus contained higher amounts of Zn (63.3 mg kg−1) and Ni (7.54 mg kg−1) than aboveground parts (40.52 and 2.07 mg kg–1), which indicated that heavy metals were retained in underground parts.

A New Recycling Method through Mushroom Cultivation Using Food Waste: Optimization of Mushroom Bed Medium Using Food Waste and Agricultural Use of Spent Mushroom Substrates

Food waste is generated in large amounts locally and globally, and requires expenditure for disposal. However, it has high nutritional value and almost no toxic components. Therefore, it can be returned to mushroom mediums for further use, leading to food waste circulation. Though disposing of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) after harvesting is an additional problem, there have been increased efforts to compost it and apply it to the soil for growing vegetables. This study, therefore, aimed to optimize (1) mushroom spawn production with rice hull, (2) mushroom substrates using food waste to accelerate food waste recycling, and (3) the utilization of SMS as an organic fertilizer. An optimal substrate composition and high yield were obtained at 120–140 g of food waste per bag among substrates from Pleorutus ostreatus and Pleorutus citrinopileatus; therefore, using a high ratio of food waste in the mushroom mediums was achieved. On the other hand, the SMS of P. citrinopileatus demonstrated higher plant biomass growth, at 36 g, than that of P. ostreatus, at 21.2 g, in a treatment using SMS + okara. The present discovery is that people may be encouraged to be mindful of food loss by the delivery of mushrooms and plants grown from agro/food waste to the dining table, and this circular system may therefore be used as a key resource in mushroom and plant cultivation and to achieve a zero-emission cycle.

Evaluation of chemical properties and humification process during co-composting of spent mushroom substrate (Pleurotus ostreatus) and pig manure under different mass ratios

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) from Pleurotus ostreatus is high in salinity, susceptible to deterioration caused by mold, and not suitable for direct application in soil. Its high C/N ratio and low pH inhibit the humification process during composting. Pig manure (PM) possesses high density and low porosity, impeding microbial metabolism. Co-composting SMS and PM can overcome these challenges. A 120-day composting experiment was conducted with varying mass ratios of SMS and PM, supplemented with calcium bentonite and microbial inoculum. After composting, there was observed a significant rise in the N and K2O contents, ranging from 11.1% to 84.1% and 55.1%–296.8%, respectively. Additionally, there was a decrease in the C/N ratio by a range of 18.9%–60.1%. The total nutrient content of SMS post-composting solely was a mere 4.9%, failing to meet the 5% required by China's Professional Standard outlined for organic fertilizers (NY/T525-2021). Composting PM alone simplified the molecular structure of humic-extracted acid (HE) and reduced the C content of humic acid (HA) by up to 18.1%. In contrast, co-composting SMS and PM in equal proportions stimulated microbial consumption of water-soluble substances, resulting in increase in C contents of HE and HA by 11.5% and 18.7%, respectively, along with a 15.4% rise in the polymerization level of the composted materials. Furthermore, this combination facilitated the conversion of inert humic component, reducing C content of humin by 79.3%, lowering the electrical conductivity (EC) value by 23.0%, and boosting GI value by 154.1%. Increasing the proportion of SMS in co-compost proved advantageous in enriching its organic matter content. The composting process involved bio-degradation of O-containing functional groups like phenols and alcohols, utilization of polysaccharides by microorganisms, and development of carboxyl groups in the HA. Based on the above index analysis, the most effective compost ratio to achieve higher humification level and compost quality was determined to be a mass ratio of SMS to PM of 5:5, followed by 6:4.

Enhanced removal of antibiotics and heavy metals in aquatic systems using spent mushroom substrate-derived biochar integrated with Herbaspirillum huttiense.

A novel integrated removal strategy was developed to enhance the concurrent elimination of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), oxytetracycline (OTC), and enrofloxacin (ENR) from the aqueous environments. The underlying adsorption mechanisms of spent mushroom substrate (SMSB) and the Herbaspirillum huttiense strain (HHS1), and their efficacy in removing Cu, Zn, OTC, and ENR was also examined. Results showed that the SMSB-HHS1 composite stabilized 29.86% of Cu and 49.75% of Zn and achieved removal rates of 97.95% for OTC and 59.35% for ENR through a combination of chemisorption and biodegradation. Zinc did not affect Cu adsorption, and ENR did not impact the adsorption of OTC on SMSB. However, the co-presence of OTC and ENR modified the adsorption behaviors of both Cu and Zn. Copper and Zn enhanced the adsorption of OTC and ENR by serving as bridging agents, facilitating the interaction between the contaminants and SMSB. Conversely, OTC and ENR inhibited the adsorption process of Cu by obstructing its interaction with the SMSB and occupying the oxygen-containing functional groups. The ‒OH (3415 cm-1) and C-O-C (1059 cm-1) functional groups were identified as the principal active sites to form hydrogen bonds and interact with Cu and Zn, leading to the formation of CuP4O11 and Zn4CO3(OH)6H2O. HHS1 also enhanced antibiotic removal through biodegradation, as evidenced by the decrease of ‒C‒O and increase of ‒C = O groups. This study underscores the innovative potential of the SMSB-HHS1 composite, offering a sustainable approach to addressing multifaceted pollution challenges in the aquatic environments.

Evaluation of Bioadsorption Efficiency of the Spent Mushroom Substrate of Calocybe indica for removing Iron from some contaminated Water Samples

Evaluation of Bioadsorption Efficiency of the Spent Mushroom Substrate of Calocybe indica for removing Iron from some contaminated Water Samples

Alternative ways of using the mushroom substrate as an additive for feed with the purpose of improving animal productivity in agriculture (review)

In modern agriculture, considerable attention is paid to the search for effective and environmentally safe methods of increasing animal productivity. One of the promising directions is the use of mushroom substrate as feed additives. Residual mushroom substrate is often considered as waste, but its processing and use can help reduce feed costs and increase farm profitability. In addition, the use of mushroom substrate helps to reduce the burden on the environment, promoting a closedproduction cycle. In the article it is considered the alternative ways of using mushroom substrate as a feed additive in order to improve the productivity of animals in agriculture. Mushroom substrate, the residual product after growing mushrooms, contains a rich complex of nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, minerals and other bioactive components. The use of this substrate as a feed additive can provide economic benefits for farms, reducing the cost of traditional feed and increasing animal productivity. Studies indicate a positive effect of the mushroom substrate on the health of animals, in particular on the improvement of immunity and the general physiological state. In addition to economic benefits, the use of mushroom substrate helps to reduce the amount of waste and improve the environmental sustainability of agriculture, meeting the principles of circular economy and sustainable development. Objective. To analyze alternative ways of using mushroom substrate as animal feed additives. In the article it is reviewed modern research and practical experience of using mushroom substrate, its chemical composition and potential benefits for animal husbandry. Special attention is paid to the effect of mushroom substrate on the health of animals, their productivity and general economic indicators of farms. Revealing the potential of mushroom substrate as a feed additive can be an important step in the development of sustainable agriculture, in particular, in the conditions of growing demand for food and resources for its production. Conclusions. The article emphasizes the needfor further research to optimize the methods of using the mushroom substrate in feed rations of various animal species and to develop new technologies for its processing. The practical implementation of these studies can significantly increase the efficiency and competitiveness of agricultural enterprises. Keywords: mushroom substrate, chemical composition, feed additive, animal productivity, agriculture, bioactive components, feeding.

Hydroalcoholic Extracts from Pleurotus ostreatus Spent Substrate with Nematocidal Activity against Nacobbus aberrans Phytonematode and the Non-Target Species Panagrellus redivivus.

Pleurotus ostreatus, an edible mushroom widely consumed worldwide, generates a by-product known as spent mushroom substrate (SMS). This material has demonstrated biological activity against agricultural crop pathogens. In this study, we evaluated the nematocidal effectiveness of hydroalcoholic extracts (T5, T2, AT5, and AT2) derived from SMS of P. ostreatus against (J2) of the phytonematode Nacobbus aberrans and assessed their potential toxicity towards the non-target nematode Panagrellus redivivus. Among these extracts, AT5 exhibited the highest efficacy against N. aberrans and was the least toxic against P. redivivus. Liquid-liquid partitioning yielded the AQU fraction, which showed significant nematocidal activity against J2 (75.69% ± 8.99 mortality), comparable to chitosan. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several compounds, including palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol. These findings are consistent with studies confirming the antagonistic effectiveness of these compounds against phytonematodes. Additionally, all extracts exhibited toxicity against P. redivivus, with T2 being the most toxic. Our findings demonstrate that while the AT5 extract displays antagonistic effectiveness against both N. aberrans and P. redivivus, it was the least toxic among the extracts tested. Thus, SMS of P. ostreatus holds potential as a source of nematocidal compounds, which could offer significant benefits for agricultural pest control.

Dietary incorporation of brown seaweed spent oyster mushroom substrate alters growth performance, physiological responses and meat quality parameters in Boschveld roosters

Use of brown seaweed (Ecklonia maxima) as a nutraceutical source in indigenous chicken diets is limited by high dietary fibre levels. Inoculating seaweeds with oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) spawn (OMS) could enhance the utility of the spent mushroom substrate (SMS). This study investigated the effect of feeding incremental levels of brown seaweed SMS on growth performance, physiological responses, and meat quality parameters in Boschveld roosters. A total of 324, 4-week-old Boschveld roosters were weighed and randomly allotted to 36 pens (9 birds per pen) to produce six replicates per dietary treatment. The diets were formulated as follows: a standard grower diet (CON); and CON containing 150 g/kg of brown seaweed inoculated with OMS at 0 (SMS0), 20 (SMS20), 30 (SMS30), 40 (SMS40) and 50% (SMS50). Birds fed diet CON had the least feed intake (p < 0.05) than all the other SMS treatment levels in weeks 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15. Diet SMS40 promoted higher (p < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) than CON in weeks 6, 7, 9 and 14. Gain-to-feed ratio linearly increased in weeks 7 [R2 = 0.288; p = 0.010], 11 [R2 = 0.581, p = 0.0001] and 14 [R2 = 0.389, p = 0.004], respectively. Quadratic responses (p < 0.05) were observed for BWG in week 5, white blood cells, heterophils, platelets, lymphocytes, monocytes, and relative spleen and large intestine weights as OMS levels increased. Linear increases were recorded for slaughter [R2 = 0.197, p = 0.017] and breast weights [R2 = 0.197, p = 0.020] as OMS levels increased. Diet SMS0 promoted higher (p < 0.05) relative caeca weights than the CON and SMS treatment groups. Neither quadratic nor linear responses (p > 0.05) were observed for breast meat quality parameters. In conclusion, feeding brown seaweed SMS improved growth performance and slaughter weight, altered some blood parameters and internal organs, without affecting breast meat quality of Boschveld roosters. Based on the quadratic response for BWG, the optimum OMS level was deduced at 20% in a brown seaweed-based Boschveld rooster diet.

Effect of mushroom crop residue on growth performance, carcass traits, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior, ruminal and blood parameters of lambs

Using agricultural wastes as substrates of mushroom cultivation can minimize environmental pollution and provide a high-quality substrate that might be used for animal feeding after cultivation, which is beneficial for ruminants. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of cultivated mushroom residue in lamb diets. Seven inoculation times (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 days of cultivation) of mushroom substrates by Pleurotus ostreatus were evaluated in a completely randomized design with five replications to characterize the mushroom crop substrate. Within 30 days of cultivation, the mushroom crop residue (MCR) was sun-dried and tested on the lambs’ diet. The first experiment involved 40 uncastrated crossbred lambs (Santa Ines × Dorper), with a mean body weight (BW) of 27.8 ± 2.37 kg (mean ± SD), which were randomly assigned to five groups of six lambs each. They received five levels of MCR replacing Tifton-85 hay: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 % on dry matter basis (DM) to evaluate performance, carcass traits, ingestive behavior, and blood parameters. In the second experiment, 25 lambs (40.0 ± 3.0 kg BW) were distributed in metabolic cages in a completely randomized design with the same five treatments of experiment 1 (MRC replacing Tifton-85 hay) and six replications to determine nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance. To evaluate ruminal parameters, a third experiment was conducted with five Santa Ines × Dorper crossbreed rumen-cannulated sheep weighing 42.0 ± 4.0 kg, which were distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square. After 30 days of cultivation of the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus, there was a reduction in the MCR contents of DM, ether extract (EE), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC). In contrast, ash, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber expressed exclusive of residual ash (aNDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and in vitro DM digestibility coefficient (IVDMD) increased (P ≤ 0.05) over the cultivation time. The intake of DM, CP, aNDF and NFC quadratically increased (P ≤ 0.05) with the addition of dehydrated MCR in the lambs’ diet. The effective consumed CP composition and the digestibility coefficient of DM, CP, and aNDF decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) due dehydrated MCR addition in the lambs’ diet. The time spent eating and idling, and the rumination efficiency rates (g DM and NDF/h) increased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) with the replacement of Tifton-85 hay by the dehydrated MCR. The time spent on rumination and chewing, the nº of boli chewed, and the DM intake efficiency rate reduced linearly (P ≤ 0.05). There was a linear (P ≤ 0.05) increase in N-intake, N-fecal, and N-retention and linear reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in N-urinary excretion and rumen protozoa count due to the inclusion of MCR in the lambs’ diet. Growth performance, carcass traits, rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and blood parameters were not changed by the replacement of hay with MCR. Dehydrated mushroom crop residue inclusion at 75 % of total DM replacing Tifton-85 hay in lambs’ diet is recommended because it improves rumination efficiency, and N-retention without any negative effect on rumen pH, blood metabolites, and carcass traits.

Preparation of a novel ATP liposome and its regulation of postharvest senescence in Agaricus bisporus

This study aimed to prepare an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) liposome by reverse evaporation to improve the stability of exogenous ATP and regulate its sustained release. Its microstructure and physicochemical indexes were systematically characterized to obtain the optimal drug–lipid ratio. The results showed that egg yolk lecithin (EYL)/ATP-5 exhibited minimal vesicle size with good encapsulation efficiency (63.26 % ± 0.20 %). The storage stability and thermogravimetric (TG) results showed that EYL/ATP-5 exhibited better dispersion properties during storage; however, it did not significantly affect the thermal stability of liposomes. Transmission electron microscopy results further corroborated that the liposomes at this ratio exhibited a homogeneous and unaggregated vesicular structure, which was favorable for the maintenance of liposome stability. EYL/ATP-5 treatment was used for the postharvest preservation of white mushrooms. The results showed that EYL/ATP-5 treatment maintained the firmness of white mushroom substrate after harvesting, delayed browning, inhibited its respiration, and postponed the quality deterioration of white mushrooms. In conclusion, the ATP liposomes obtained in this study provided a new idea for storing and preserving harvested edible fungi.

Enhancing biodegradation of vegetable oil-contaminated soil with soybean texturized waste, spent mushroom substrate, and stabilized poultry litter in microcosm systems.

Industrial activities contribute to environmental pollution, particularly through unregulated effluent discharges, causing adverse effects on ecosystems. Vegetable oils, as insoluble substances, exacerbate this pollution, forming impermeable films and affecting the oxygen transfer, leading to serious habitat disruption. Organic wastes, such as soybean texturized waste, spent mushroom substrate, and stabilized poultry litter, were assessed for their efficacy in enhancing the degradation of vegetable oil in contaminated soil. For this purpose, contaminated soil was amended with each of the wastes (10% w/w) using microcosm systems, which were monitored physico-chemically, microbiologically and toxicologically. Results indicate that the wastes promoted significant oil degradation, achieving 83.1, 90.7, and 86.2% removal for soybean texturized waste, spent mushroom substrate, and stabilized poultry litter, respectively, within a 90-day period. Additionally, they positively influenced soil microbial activity, as evidenced by increased levels of culturable microorganisms and hydrolytic microbial activity. While bioassays indicated no phytotoxicity in most cases, soybean texturized waste exhibited inhibitory effects on seed germination and root elongation of Lactuca sativa. This study significantly enhances our comprehension of remediation techniques for sites tainted with vegetable oils, highlighting the critical role of organic waste as eco-friendly agents in soil restoration. Emphasizing the practical implications of these findings is imperative to underscore the relevance and urgency of addressing vegetable oil contamination in soil. Moving forward, tailored strategies considering both contaminant characteristics and soil ecosystem traits are vital for ensuring effective and sustainable soil remediation.

Replacing traditional nursery soil with spent mushroom substrate improves rice seedling quality and soil substrate properties.

Currently, large quantities of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) are produced annually. Because SMS has high water retention and nutrients, it has great potential to replace traditional topsoil for raising seedlings in agricultural production. However, few studies have examined the effects of substituting SMS for paddy soil on rice seedling growth and soil nutrients. SMS was mixed with rice soil in different proportions (20%, 50%, and 80%), and chemical fertilizer, organic fertilizer, and peat substrate were added in addition to equivalent nitrogen as a traditional seedling nursery method for comparison. Compared to traditional paddy soil (CK), the seedling qualities of the three SMS ratio treatments were all higher. Adding SMS at different ratios promoted rice seedling root growth, elevated the soluble protein concentration, and amplified the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymatic action in rice seedlings. Total porosity and aeration porosity of the soil increased by 17.40% and 32.90%, respectively. Soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) increased by 21.26-118.48%, 50.44-71.68%, and 23.08-80.17%, respectively. Besides, the relative abundance of Bacillus, Bacteroidetes, and other bacteria as well as the abundance of Ascomycota were all significantly increased. Adding 50% SMS increased the abundance of Pseudomonas by 8.42 times. The seedling quality of the 50% SMS treatment was even higher than chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizer treatments, only second to the peat substrate treatment. In summary, partial substitution of paddy soil with SMS can ameliorate substrate properties, improve seedling quality, and increase microbial diversity, indicating the suitability of SMS as a replacement for rice soil in seedling substrates. The 50% SMS ratio is the best. This study provides a basis for SMS to replace traditional rice soil in seedling cultivation.

How Does a Decision-Making Tool Enhance Spent Mushroom Substrate Valorization into Polysaccharides?

In mushroom farming, one kilogram harvested results in about five kilograms of spent mushroom substrate (SMS), posing an environmental management challenge. As an in-tune work with the concepts of circular economy, cleaner production, and waste minimization, this study has developed a mathematical model than analyzes the valorization potential of SMS through polysaccharide production. The in-depth mathematical model is based on a system dynamics approach, which explains the interactive interplay amongst the production process, related costs, energy consumption, and caused emissions. The model has been developed in a generic way. Meaning that it can be re-adjusted flexibly for a different cleaner production process. A user-friendly interface has been developed. Users can easily maneuver around the variables within the model that offers instantaneous insight into the environmental and economic impacts of SMS valorization. This interface was later integrated into an educational context to serve as an interactive decision-making tool for cleaner production modelling. The main purpose of the developed tool was to favor understanding of causalities between production chains, energy consumption, labor, emissions, and expenses. This tool has been tested on master’s degree students in a cleaner production course. Survey results show that 82% of students report the need to incorporate similar decision-making tools in their learning curriculum. In sum, the application of system dynamics to the valorization of SMS does not only present an attractive solution for this environmental problem but also shows great potential in setting educational backgrounds for an interactive and close-to-life learning process. It is recommended to develop more interactive tools available for students.