MYCOFILTRATION ON WASTE WATER (DRAINAGE WATER), UGBOWO.

This study investigated the efficacy of mycofiltration using Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) for treating urban wastewater from drainage channels in Adolor market, Ugbowo, Benin City, Nigeria. Wastewater samples were collected, passed through a sawdust-based mycofilter colonized by P. ostreatus, and analyzed for microbial and physicochemical parameters before and after treatment. Results revealed near-complete microbial removal in treated effluent, with 91.24 100% reduction in total heterotrophic bacteria, 95.60–100% in fungi, and 100% in coliforms (p < .001). Physicochemical analysis included 93.02% BOD reduction, 89.00% COD reduction, 86.99% total nitrogen, 91.81% phosphorus, and 71.05–95.19% for heavy metals and oil/grease, with dissolved oxygen increasing by 76.19%. Treated water complied with WHO/NIS standards for all parameters except iron (0.45 mg/L > 0.3 mg/L). The use of locally sourced substrates underscores mycofiltration’s cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Findings confirm P. ostreatus mycofiltration as a viable, eco-friendly solution for urban wastewater management in resource-limited settings, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 6.