The Effects of Space Conditions on the Growth and Catabolic Actions of the Oyster Mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus Principal Investigator: Mark Liang Co- Investigators: Elizabeth O’Neill, Lauren Thai, Sara Wong, Mitchell Hee, Nicholas Truong Teacher Facilitator: Mr. Wyeth Collo School: San Marino High School, San Marino, CA

Background Kingdom: Fungi Mycelia has insulating, remediating, antimicrobial, and renewable properties Used on Earth as a packaging material, building material, and natural filter.

Materials and Supplies  Contained Fungi Incubator  Sabouraud agar plates  Disinfectant  Spore Cultures  Latex Gloves  Surgical Grade Face Masks

Testing For Optimal Fungi Species  Agaricus bitorquis – Button Mushroom  Pleuotus ostreatus – Oyster Mushoom  Agaricus micromethus- Wild Field Mushroom

Growth Experiment  Agar inoculated in jars of cooked rye grain with different moisture levels and air flow, to test mycelium growth.

Observations

Results  On agar dishes, the Oyster Mushroom was the best candidate for growth.  In rye jars, moisture levels did not impact growth of mycelium, but air levels did. Higher air flows positively correlated with a faster growth rate of fungi.  Fungi was not impaired by light, temperature, and humidity levels.  After reaching a growth threshold, all specimens creating fruiting bodies, which actively grew out of jars.

Theories and Real-World Uses Regenerating insulation and Building material Remediation of water and air in competition with pathogens. Cost efficient and environmental sustainable Waste removal and food/medicine source.

Q & A Thank you