Mycelium: The Future of Bacterial Filtration

Publication Date

2026

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Biology, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Beth Bowman

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

Millions of inhabitants still lack access to clean drinking water in Uganda, with contaminants ranging from heavy metals to fecal coliform bacteria. To address this issue, the objective of this project was to create sustainable water filters that can be implemented in Ugandan schools (St Joseph and Precious Primary), which have fecal coliform contaminating their drinking water sources. Previous research indicates that a mycelium-based filter would adequately meet our objective of filtering out fecal coliform bacteria from drinking water. The mycelium offers a sustainable option that can be grown on site and replenished cheaply and easily. To begin, we created a filter prototype using a PVC tube, Winecap mycelium, sand, and coconut husk. To test for and quantify fecal coliform, we completed fecal coliform testing using local Richland Creek water since it has been previously confirmed to contain fecal coliform bacteria. Richland Creek samples were pushed through the filter prototype and after, through a filter grid membrane using a magnetic filter and a pump, which pulled the water through the filter membrane, separating the bacteria. As expected, the Richland Creek water contained fecal coliforms before filtration with the mycelium. After filtration with mycelium, we found fecal coliform levels dropped, but non-fecal coliforms were still present.  Knowing this, we can start to develop a filter usable in Uganda, treating the problem of bacteria-contaminated drinking water.

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