This document discusses an experiment to test the ability of oyster mushroom mycelium to break down and consume diesel fuel in soil. The student hypothesizes that oyster mushrooms will be able to grow and consume diesel even without soil present. To test this, the student will grow mushrooms in mixtures containing 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, and 100% diesel by volume, and measure the percentage of oil remaining over time. The results of the experiment will be analyzed and presented at a local science fair, with the possibility of advancing to an international competition. The project aims to determine the maximum oil concentration mushrooms can consume and applies the scientific method to address environmental remediation.

1. Can Mushrooms Eat Oil?
The Bioremediation of hydrocarbon contamination
through the use of oyster mushroom mycelium

2. My mentor Ryan

3. Oil contains toxic hydrocarbons: molecules
that are made out of hydrogen and carbon
http://burnanenergyjournal.com/how-oil-is-made/
I’m using diesel
http://writingcenter.tamu.edu/c/types-communication/presentations-2/feed/

4. Mushrooms roots called mycelium, contain
enzymes that break hydrocarbons apart
http://writingcenter.tamu.edu/c/types-communication/presentations-2/feed/
The
mushrooms
can eat the
hydrogen and
the carbon

5. “What is the maximum concentration of
oil in soil that mushrooms can consume?”
My Testable question

6. I hypothesize that oyster
mushrooms will be able grow
in and consume diesel with no
soil present
Hypotheses:

7. I’m going to Grow
oyster mushrooms in 5%,
10%, 25%, 50% and 100%
oil and growing mixture.

8. Measuring the Percentage of Oil
 Mixing 1 gram of soil with water
 Shaking the mixture
 Allowing it to settle
 The oil will rise to the top.
 Measure the oil on top with a cm ruler

9. Required experiences
This project will meet the
major Science Research
Paper required experience

10. Going forward
 Finish the experimental part of my project
 Analyze the results
 Go to the local sciences fair
 Possibility to go to International Science And
Engineering Fair

11. proficiencies
• communicate using mathematical and scientific tools
• convey ideas in writing
• take responsibility for learning
• Projects showing capability of and responsible for addressing complex real-
world problems that matter to them and their community.
• learn through Research
• apply scientific method to Research and experiments
• solve complex problems
• Apply scientific method to research and experiment

12. Research paper
 If you would like to read the accompanying
paper, please email ameliapreid@gmail.com