Can mushrooms inhibit the power of explosives? This idea has led to the invention of Robert Riggs from Texas, USA.
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Phlebia radiata Mushroom |
When explosives are used for tunneling or demolition, some blocks may fail to detonate and will be left among the debris. Riggs proposed a solution to this problem by mixing dormant mushroom spores (in pellet form) into the explosive charge before it is detonated.
The dry spores will remain inactive if the explosives are stored, and if the explosives perform as expected, the block will shatter into many pieces.
However, if the explosives are deployed and fail to detonate, moisture from the air will penetrate the detonator and the explosive package. The spores will germinate and consume the explosive material, rendering it harmless.
According to Riggs, the white rot fungus Phlebia radiata has a particular affinity for explosives. The rate at which they consume the material depends on the number of spores added: 5 pellets per block will slow the degradation process, while 30 pellets will make the explosive safe within just a few days.
T. An
