Underground Explorers

Crude oil pollution has severely degraded soil health in Ologbo Lowland Forest, Nigeria, threatening agricultural productivity, ecosystem resilience, and mycorrhizal communities. Mycorrhizal fungi are vital for soil restoration, enhancing nutrient uptake, stabilizing soil structure, and supporting bioremediation. This study evaluates mycorrhizal responses to crude oil remediation using molecular meta-barcoding techniques. Soil samples from polluted, bioremediated, and unperturbed sites will be analyzed to identify shifts in community composition and assess the effectiveness of restoration strategies on fungal diversity. The findings will inform sustainable soil management, guide conservation efforts, and contribute data for potential inclusion in the IUCN Red List. Conducted over 12 months with a budget of $8,524, the project covers fieldwork, DNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and personnel. Overall, this research advances understanding of fungal ecology in polluted environments and supports global ecosystem restoration initiatives.