New paper by the Sunna Lab published in Chemosphere. The work describe an innovative approach to bioremediation of mercury contaminated soils from industrial mining operations. Highlights • A bulk natural substrate, zeolite, was bio-functionalised with encapsulated P. veronii. • This remained viable and functional after long term storage. • Bio-functionalised zeolite increased GEM flux by 104. • A concomitant reduction in GOM emissions was also observed. • Bio-functionalised zeolite shows potential for remediation of mercury-contaminated sites.