Mushroom waste offers a sustainable path to cleaner water

Who would have guessed that yesterday’s mushroom waste could help clean tomorrow’s water? In a new study, SLU researchers have found that leftover materials from mushroom cultivation can act like a natural water filter—removing harmful microbes and chemicals while also boosting plant growth.

The research team tested extracts made from spent mushroom compost and spent oyster substrate. These by-products, typically treated as waste, demonstrated a surprising ability to suppress disease-causing microbes, degrade antimicrobial residues, and even stimulate seed germination and early plant growth.

– Reclaimed water is an important resource, but it often carries traces of harmful pathogens and chemicals. Our findings show that something as simple as mushroom waste can naturally enhance water quality and make it safer for reuse in agriculture, says Samar Khalil, who lead the study.

An innovative path toward sustainable water management

The researchers suggest that beneficial microbial and enzymatic activity within the mushroom residues may play a key role in these effects. This approach aligns with the principles of biocontrol, where naturally occurring organisms help to manage pathogens in a sustainable and chemical-free way.

– Turning agricultural waste into a biological filter is a great example of circular thinking, It not only improves water quality but also supports plant growth without relying on synthetic inputs, says Foon Yin Lai.

– The findings highlight an innovative path toward sustainable water management—one that transforms food production waste into a valuable resource. By integrating such nature-based solutions, the study contributes to broader efforts to reduce pollution, enhance soil health, and strengthen agricultural resilience in a changing climate, says Ramesh Vetukuri.

Read more

Read the study in the Journal of Environmental Management:

Could Extracts from Spent Mushroom Materials Transform Reclaimed Water Quality? – A Pilot Study on Pathogen Suppression, Antimicrobial Chemical Removal, and Plant Growth Enhancement