This research tests oyster fungus (Pleurotus) as the agent that acts on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons left in burn-scar soil. Fire puts PAHs into that ground. Seasonal grass is what grows back if they stay. The grass cures in the dry season and becomes tinder. The scar burns again. Plants do not take those PAHs out. Pleurotus can. The bench asks whether it does so in real local burn soil.
PAHs remain → community stays on seasonal grass → grass dries → tinder → another fire → PAHs remain. The fungus is aimed at the first term.
A drop in extractable 16-EPA-PAH, reported by ring class, dry weight. Not proven mineralization to CO₂.
| Arm | On the soil | Role |
|---|---|---|
| A | Nothing | Time, native microbes, watering |
| B | Plants only | Cover without fungus |
| C | Live Pleurotus, one lot | The removal test |
| D | Plants + Pleurotus | Help, hurt, or noise |
n = 5. Homogenized burn-scar stock. Not ash-basin soil. Not a fresh spike. 8–12 weeks. GC-MS at t0 and endpoint. No start if t0 PAH is below reporting limit or if the batch cannot do GC-MS.
Arm C reduces extractable 4-ring PAHs more than A and more than B. Arm D is not assumed better than C.
Fuel moisture, rate of spread, field plant community, electrical resistivity.