Fungal Bioremediation of Heavy Metals

Graduate Student Name: 
Ray Van Court
Faculty mentor/Supervisor: 
Gerald Presley
Email Address (Faculty mentor/Supervisor): 
Department Affiliation: 
Wood Science & Engineering
Job Location: 
Richardson Hall, OSU campus
Description of project or research opportunity: 
The aim of this project is to identify fungal species that best tolerate and detoxify heavy metals from wood preservatives. Currently treated wood is disposed of in unlined landfills where these metals, including copper, chromium, and arsenic, can enter the soil. Fungi may be able protect the environment from the toxic impact of these metals through sequestration and detoxification. This project aims to identify tree-associated ectomycorrhizal fungi that can best tolerate and uptake these metals. As these fungi are difficult to grow in culture, methods to best grow these fungi in a laboratory environment will also be investigated.
Tasks student will perform: 
Students will assist with preparation of fungal cultures, maintenance of cultures, and measurement of cultures.
Special skills required: 
Lab experience in microbiology preferred, fine motor skills.
Proposed dates of employment (must be between June 19 and September 4): 
Monday, June 20, 2022 to Monday, July 18, 2022
Anticipated hours worked per week: 
20