Fungal Communities Research
Petro-tolerant fungal communities that may be able to accelerate decomposition of the crude petroleum oil pits are central to our research. They occupy the crude petroleum that has been affecting generations of residents in the Sucumbios Region of Ecuador for more than 50 years. To investigate these fungal processes, CoRenewal seeks to identify, physiologically profile, and propagate native fungi from degraded ecosystems. We predict that fungi from ecosystems with a history of oil exploration have a greater functional capacity to process petroleum toxicity, and thus be more tolerant to petroleum exposure (i.e., petro-tolerant) than fungi from pristine environments. We aim to reduce contaminant concentration by increasing their enzyme production, yielding accelerated rates of decomposition.
Along with our university collaborators, CoRenewal is developing a method for quantifying fungal enzyme activity in order to characterize the functional capacity of fungal communities. Moreover, we are investigating the efficacy of introducing native petro-tolerant fungi back into local landscapes to restore sensitive habitats and protect natural resources.
At our Mushroom Research Center, in Lago Agrio, CoRenewal conducts laboratory research on fungal diversity and applied fungal ecology. Specifically, we are investigating fungal processes for managing agricultural waste streams and developing biological controls for plant pathogens. From this facility, we also identify organic substrates to cultivate the vegetative part of mushrooms (i.e., mycelium), and provide this mycelium to local farmers so they may grow and sell mushrooms as local sources of food and medicine. CoRenewal’s multifaceted approach to fungal cultivation thrives to benefit international farmers and researchers by contributing meaningful applied research on remediation, nutrition, and health, as well as a replicable sustainable model for communities faced with health concerns associated with ecosystem degradation.
Along with our university collaborators, CoRenewal is developing a method for quantifying fungal enzyme activity in order to characterize the functional capacity of fungal communities. Moreover, we are investigating the efficacy of introducing native petro-tolerant fungi back into local landscapes to restore sensitive habitats and protect natural resources.
At our Mushroom Research Center, in Lago Agrio, CoRenewal conducts laboratory research on fungal diversity and applied fungal ecology. Specifically, we are investigating fungal processes for managing agricultural waste streams and developing biological controls for plant pathogens. From this facility, we also identify organic substrates to cultivate the vegetative part of mushrooms (i.e., mycelium), and provide this mycelium to local farmers so they may grow and sell mushrooms as local sources of food and medicine. CoRenewal’s multifaceted approach to fungal cultivation thrives to benefit international farmers and researchers by contributing meaningful applied research on remediation, nutrition, and health, as well as a replicable sustainable model for communities faced with health concerns associated with ecosystem degradation.
Our research is being held back due to lack of funding. To help us continue our research, please donate