Krisztina E. Hódosi

Research interest

Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom), is one of the most common globally produced and consumed edible mushrooms. As a white-rot (tree-inhabiting) fungus, it has a vast array of intra- and extracellular enzymes. The ligninolytic extracellular enzymes it possesses have low substrate specificity, and usually work through the oxidation of phenolic compounds, making them a valuable option for the bioremediation of petroleum contaminants, as well as other recalcitrant compounds, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial waste.

Through the international collaboration PLEUROREM, we aim to upcycle spent mushroom substrate (SMS) into a mycoadditive that can be used to aid the remediation of various contaminated soils. In order to achieve this, many aspects have to be considered, including the issue of colonizing soil by a non-soil inhabiting fungus. My work focuses on the following questions:

• What are the biotic and abiotic drivers of colonization of soil by P. ostreatus?
• Which drivers are relevant when using P. ostreatus SMS as inoculum in contaminated soil micro-/mesocosms?
• How can SMS be upcycled to being mycoadditive for improved soil bioremediation?

CV / Scientific Career