Abstract

Fungal bioremediation has emerged as an efficient and eco-friendly approach to mitigating environmental pollution caused by organic and inorganic contaminants. Fungi, due to their vast metabolic diversity, possess unique enzymatic systems capable of degrading or detoxifying pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons, and other xenobiotic compounds. This review explores the mechanisms employed by fungal species in bioremediation, such as biosorption, biodegradation, and mycoremediation. The effectiveness of various fungal strains in treating contaminated soils, wastewater, and industrial effluents is highlighted, alongside their potential for large-scale applications. Furthermore, challenges such as the optimization of environmental conditions, cost-effectiveness, and the need for genetic enhancements to improve fungal performance in harsh conditions are discussed. The paper concludes by proposing future directions for fungal bioremediation research to address emerging environmental concerns.