Mushrooms could be deployed in rivers to filter out sewage, scientists reveal

Mushrooms could be deployed in UK rivers in a bid to filter out sewage, as part of a winning project commissioned by Ofwat.

The innovative project, titled Mycofiltration: Using Fungi as a Natural Way to Improve Water Quality, has been awarded £1.5 million to trial fungal-based filters at storm overflows and run-off sites.

The scheme aims to remove pollutants from river water in a low-carbon, cost-effective way.

Mycelia - root-like structure of fungi - have proven exceptional at filtering water due to their dense, fibrous structure, which acts as a physical mesh.

Via the process of Mycofiltration, their ability to secrete powerful enzymes which chemically break down contaminants including heavy metals, insecticides, and bacteria turns them into harmless compounds.

The project is led by Anglian Water, in partnership with Spore and Anvil, Flete Field Lab, Barhale, University of Essex, Imperial College London, South East Water, and Spring Innovation, among others.

Phil Buckingham, head of research and innovation at Anglian Water, said: "This funding will play a pivotal role in expanding natural technologies across the water sector.

"It will enable us to scale up our innovative approach - harnessing the filtration superpower of mycelia to enhance water quality, which will have a direct benefit on local wildlife and ecosystems, as well as the communities who use these environments day-to-day.

"Our immediate focus is to trial our fungal-based filters at storm overflows and run-off sites and gather the evidence needed to scale what works.”

The breakthrough is among 19 pioneering solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing the water sector, with a total of £58million awarded to the array of projects as part of Ofwat's sixth Water Breakthrough Challenge.

The successful projects, which span technological, engineering and nature-based approaches, will receive the funding from Ofwat’s Water Innovation Fund, which is investing £600 million between 2020 and 2030.

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The rollout aims to advance and scale innovative projects in England and Wales that can help to achieve Net Zero, protect natural ecosystems, and prevent leaks and pollution.

Each project sees water companies work in collaboration with a diverse set of partners - from environmental charities and leading universities to technology and engineering companies - with the purpose of changing how the water sector operates to transform its impact for customers, communities and the environment.

Among winners also includes Good Vibrations: Ecoacoustic river health monitoring, which has been awarded £1.5million to develop technology that uses acoustic signals and AI to listen to the health of rivers.

Jo Jolly, director of innovation at Ofwat, said: “The water sector is going through its biggest transformation in 30 years.

"We have to make sure these changes drive far better outcomes for society and the environment. Multiple urgent challenges must be solved.

"And, importantly, our mindset must change. So that’s our mission: bold, innovative solutions that take a long-term approach to the health of our vital water system and the impact of the water industry on environments and communities.

"This line-up of winners shows us just what can be achieved when we set our minds to it.”