23 Geologic frameworks and conceptual site models for investigating hydrogeologic conditions in overburden and bedrock aquifers at remediation sites (Posters)

This session will include talks on investigation of impacted groundwater aquifers in a variety of overburden & bedrock lithologies, subsurface architecture controlling flow & transport, and associated remedial solutions.

Monday, 23 March 2026
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CCC, Ballroom C

Myco-remediation of Heavy Metals in Soil

Paper number: 23-6
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

The Robert B. Gordon Natural Area in West Chester, PA is designated for student research and public use. A section of this area was historically used as an apple orchard in the early part of the 20th century, where lead arsenate was sprayed as a pesticide. In this section, concentrations of lead and arsenic in the soil are at dangerous levels of up to 24ppm of lead and 36ppm of arsenic. Coprinus comatus mushrooms, also known as "shaggy manes", have been shown to accumulate heavy metals into their fruiting body. As these mushrooms are commonly found in this region, we cultivated Coprinus comatus mycelium from spawn and spread a substrate mixture over a plot with known high concentrations of lead and arsenic. In doing so, we hope to be able to evaluate the effectiveness of this method of myco-remediation in the short and long-term. 

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 2

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026NE-411207

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