Comparative analysis of the efficiency of PAHs bioremediation by fungi and their consortia

Abstract

The solid state fermentation can be a useful technique for disposal of big volumes of polluted matrices, such as creosote treated wood (CTW). A wood-decay fungus can be used for detoxification of CTW, due to their ability to oxidize the aromatic ring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (these compounds are the main components of creosote). The usage of fungi for solid state fermentation of creosote treated wood can be an efficient and economical way of bioremediation: it is of low cost and locally available biomass wastes (e.g. wheat straw, grass cuttings, corncobs) can be utilized in this process. The aim of this research was evaluation of the efficiency of six different fungal strains (Pleurotus ostreatus SMR 684, Pleurotus eryngii VMU001, Bjerkandera adusta VMU004, Irpex lacteus VMU003, Schizophyllum commune VMU002 and Trichoderma harzianum VMU007) and their consortia (T. harzianum VMU007 + I. lacteus VMU003; P. ostreatus SMR684 + P. eryngii VMU001; P. eryngii VMU001 + I. lacteus VMU003; P.eryngii VMU001 + T. harzianum VMU007) for the bioremediation of wooden railway sleepers. The results of analysis show, that the highest degradation efficiency is demonstrated by Pleurotus ostreatus SMR 684 & Pleurotus eryngii VMU001 strains and the best consortia for bioremediation, among investigated ones, is P.eryngii VMU001 + T. harzianum VMU007. The fungal strains for consortia were chosen according to the preceding analysis of these couples ligninolytic activity and their resistance to the pollutant. The efficiency of bioremediation and PAHs concentration in the creosote impregnated wooden railway sleepers were evaluated by HPLC analysis. Samples were prepared for the analysis using Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) system.