Browsing by Author "Daranagama, Dinushani Anupama"

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Bioremediation and sustainable mushroom cultivation: harnessing the lignocellulolytic power of Pleurotus species on waste substrates
(2024) Nawarathne, Irani Yasora; Daranagama, Dinushani Anupama
Mushrooms, a diverse group of fungi, has captivated human interest for centuries due to their intriguing characteristics and versatile application. The nutritional profile, coupled with unique organoleptic qualities, renders mushrooms not only a culinary delight, but also a valuable component of a balanced diet. In addition, mushrooms have gained recognition for their medicinal properties due to certain compounds found within them that exhibit promising pharmacological activities. Among the edible mushrooms, the Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) is commercially important in the global mushroom market and is widely cultivated and consumed in various parts of the world. Beyond the culinary appeal and medicinal properties of Pleurotus species, their cultivation holds an important environmental significance. These mushrooms are efficient decomposers of lignocellulosic biomass, contributing to agricultural and forestry waste recycling. Many researchers have demonstrated how their cultivation can serve as a sustainable practice, reducing the environmental impact of organic waste while generating a valuable food resource. In Sri Lanka, oyster mushroom cultivation is practiced on a small scale as a self-employed cottage industry. Four main species of oyster mushrooms, namely P. djamor, P. eous, P. ostreatus, and P. cystidiosus, are commercially cultivated in Sri Lanka. Obtaining an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable substrate is a key factor in promoting the mushroom industry within the country, ensuring export-quality mushroom production. Recently, there have been some attempts to use unconventional substrate materials, such as used diapers, as an innovative and eco-friendly approach, where the high cellulose content of diapers serves as a substrate for fungal growth, while, repurposing problematic non-biodegradable waste streams for agricultural practices. a.
From decomposers to superheroes”: unleashing the hidden powers of fungi to save our planet
(The Library, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Daranagama, Dinushani Anupama
Fungi, often overlooked but omnipresent, hold remarkable potential to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our planet. This article explores the multifaceted roles of fungi, transcending their conventional image as decomposers, and showcases how they emerge as unsung superheroes in the battle for environmental sustainability. From mycorrhizal symbiosis enhancing plant growth to bioremediation activities cleansing polluted environments, fungi play pivotal roles in diverse ecological processes. This article examines the promising applications of fungi in sustainable agriculture, food production, waste decomposition, and the production of biofuels, highlighting their capacity to revolutionise these fields. Furthermore, the medicinal and biotechnological contributions of fungi are also explored, revealing a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. The role of fungi in the production of various fermented foods and their capacity to combat pests biologically underscore their significance in sustainable food production. Fungi also proves vital in carbon sequestration, erosion control, and soil stabilisation, contributing to global efforts in mitigating climate change and preserving ecosystems. By delving into the world of fungal biodiversity, the paper emphasises the importance of conservation efforts in maintaining ecosystem resilience and preventing the loss of critical ecological functions. This article sheds light on the transformative potential of fungi, urging a paradigm shift in how we perceive and harness these organisms. As our understanding of fungal biology deepens, recognising the vast number of undescribed and unexplored species becomes increasingly important. With their remarkable adaptations and ecological significance, Fungi continue to captivate the scientific community and underscore the need for sustained exploration and conservation efforts in this diverse and understudied kingdom. Recognising fungi as environmental superheroes provides a novel perspective that could inspire innovative solutions for sustainable development and the preservation of our planet's health.