When you think of Reishi mushrooms, what do you think of? A delicious food? A health fad? Well it may surprise you to know that beyond everyday consumption, Reishi mushrooms have a high potential for impacting our atmospheric conditions. A recent study done by researchers at the University of Minnesota examines certain fungus’ ability to capture and filter methane, and its impact on the current climate crisis.
Reishi Mushrooms. Source: Pixabay
Why is methane a problem?
Methane, a greenhouse gas, is one of many chemicals that contributes to the rise of global temperatures. It has many sources, both biological and man-made, the most common being agricultural practices, wetlands, and transportation of coal and natural gas. While most research is being done to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, it is just as important to address methane emissions, as in the first two decades of release, methane can be up to 84% more potent than carbon dioxide. Methane is incredibly effective at absorbing heat, which is what makes the chemical so detrimental to atmospheric conditions.
How do Reishi mushrooms help?
While there are currently other organisms that can break down methane, removing it from the atmosphere, there is one critical way that Reishi stands out:
In order for Reishi to degrade methane, the gas does not need to travel through any kind of biofilm, which decreases the total time needed for degradation.
The cells that make up fungal structures, called hyphae, are able to extend and grow deep within the soil and other environments. When nutrients are detected, they travel through the hyphae until the desired location with the fungus is reached. There is a specific special protein, called hydrophobins, which is found on the exterior of the hyphae, which is responsible for trapping gases such as methane. Once trapped, the gas is transported within the fungus and is degraded as needed.
Mushroom hyphae. Source: Wiki Commons
The researchers who conducted the study found that Reishi mushrooms that are grown outside of the soil have a better removal rate, compared to those in the soil, where natural microbes may out-compete the mushrooms for nutrients. Shockingly, the researchers found that even dead fungi had some function at removing methane from the surrounding air.
While there is still a need for more research to be completed, it can be comforting to know that there are solutions to global warming that can come from the most unlikely places.
– Madeline Filewych
