Evidence of pyrite dissolution by Telephora terrestris Ehrh in the Libiola mine (Sestri Levante, Liguria, Italy)

Evidence of pyrite dissolution by Telephora terrestris Ehrh were observed for the first time in the abandoned sulphide Libiola mine in May 2017 (Sestri Levante, Liguria, Italy). This fungus is an ectomycorrhizal species able to colonize this extreme environment and bioaccumulate metals such as copper and silver in its fruiting bodies, and it is known to establish symbiosis with maritime pines present in the area, thus favouring their recolonization of the site. This paper presents evidence of T. terrestris promoted dissolution of sulphide minerals. This species can remove from soil not only metals possibly toxic to the pine trees, but it can also contribute to the ions bioaccumulation through the bioweathering of sulphide mineral grains (especially pyrite).