Effects of Pharmaceutical Waste Contamination on Soil Microbiome and Growth Edible Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of pharmaceutical waste contamination on the growth of the
edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus and the soil microbiome in a controlled greenhouse setting
in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Uyo, Nigeria. Utilizing pot experiments laid
out in a completely randomized design (CRD), various concentrations of selected pharmaceutical
residues—specifically antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and hormones—were applied and
replicated three times to assess their effects on growth parameters such as yield, fruiting time,
and cap size, as well as on soil microbial diversity and nutrient availability. Results indicated a
significant decline in mushroom yield (p < 0.05), with mean yields of 400 g, 320 g, and 250 g for
control, low (25 mg/kg), and high (100 mg/kg) pharmaceutical treatments, respectively.
Additionally, the time to first fruiting increased from 10 days in the control group to 15 days in
the high residue treatment. Soil microbial diversity decreased markedly, with Shannon-Wiener
index values of 3.0, 2.5, and 1.8 for control, low, and high treatments, respectively. Nutrient
analyses revealed a reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus availability, correlating with rising
pharmaceutical concentrations.