A new study from King Saud University in Saudi Arabia isolated five marine fungi strains from the Red Sea coast to test their ability to remove oil and other toxins from bilge water, a mix of water, oil, and grease that accumulates in a ship’s lower compartment. The study is more relevant now than ever, with global marine shipping traffic expected to increase tenfold by 2050. Thankfully, the researchers found compelling results that add to fungi’s growing resume as bioremediation specialists. Fusarium magnifereae was the most effective fungus in reducing crude oil concentration and turbidity, the cloudy film of matter in the water Seeds in bilge water treated with F. magnifereae showed high germination rates, suggesting a compelling use for successful irrigation Indigenous fungi offer an efficient, economical, and sustainable method for treating oily wastewater