Paper for the Planet: Kickstarting Microbial Succession Following California Wildfires

Voiceover

Presenter(s)

Naomi Kruse

Abstract or Description

With unnatural wildfires disrupting ecosystems worldwide, they are leaving behind toxic ash, depleted microbial communities, and barren landscapes. In urban environments, the microbial elements necessary for natural secondary succession are often absent, preventing recovery. This study looks at the development and use of a cellulose-based, seed and/or fungi-infused paper, biodegradable paper to kickstart microbial and plant succession in post-fire urban and hard-burn settings.

Paper for Planet integrates three key remediation strategies found in nature: (1) Neutralizing toxic ash—Pleurotus ostreatus to break down pollutants and stabilize soil pH (2) Restoring microbial communities—introducing arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal fungi to reestablish soil microbiomes, and (3) Enhancing plant establishment and carbon sequestration—fire-adapted wildflowers and all trees grow more successfully in mycorrhizal environments, and support long-term carbon storage.

The methodology involves the development of cellulose-based paper testing its effectiveness in post-fire environments. Experimental conditions include variations in ash exposure (ash-contaminated soil and groundwater) and microbial inoculation (Pleurotus ostreatus, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and ectomycorrhizal fungi). I analyzed changes in pH, seed germination success, and mycelium growth over 21 days. 

I developed two programs to quantify mycelium and seed germination. Mycelia Measure utilizes Otsu’s method and grayscale thresholding to analyze heart-shaped samples. Codeledon Count utilizes leaf color pixel detection to count leaves. 

Paper for the Planet successfully grows Pleurotus mycelium at a rate that correlates to neutralized soil pH. It is also a successful medium used to introduce arbuscular fungi and ectomycorrhizal fungi, along with their symbionts, to charred soils, demonstrating its potential to kickstart post-wildfire recovery.