Can Mushrooms Inhibit the Power of Explosives? This idea has led to the invention by 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 remain among the rubble. Riggs proposed a solution to this issue by mixing dormant mushroom spores (in pellet form) into the explosive block before inserting the detonator.
The dry spores will remain inactive as long as the explosives are stored properly, and if the explosives perform as expected, the entire block will shatter into fragments.
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-footed mushroom, Phlebia radiata, has a particular affinity for explosives. The rate at which these mushrooms consume the material depends on the number of spores added: five pellets per block will slow down the degradation process, while thirty pellets will make the explosive block safe within just a few days.
T. An
