Novel approaches for removing emerging contaminants from sludge using fungal-mediated processes

Abstract Emerging contaminants (ECs) such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial chemicals pose an increasing threat to both the environment and human health, with their presence being detected more frequently in wastewater treatment plants and sludge. In response, fungal-mediated processes have emerged as a promising bioremediation technology, offering the unique ability to degrade a wide range of pollutants present in sludge. This chapter delves into the fungal species utilized for this purpose and recent advances in fungal-mediated processes, including genetically modified and immobilized fungi and combinations with other treatment methods. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which fungi remove ECs from sludge, such as biosorption, biodegradation, and enzyme production, are comprehensively discussed. Factors affecting the efficiency of fungal-mediated processes, including pH, temperature, fungal species, nutrient availability, and reactor design, are also examined. Finally, the chapter outlines the challenges encountered when using fungal-mediated processes to remove ECs from sludge and potential real-world applications of these processes in wastewater treatment scenarios.