Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by Cladosporium sphaerospermum isolated from an aged PAH contaminated soil

FEMS Microbiol Ecol. 2004 Dec 27;51(1):71-8. doi: 10.1016/j.femsec.2004.07.013.

Abstract

The ability of a Deuteromycete fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, previously isolated from soil of an aged gas manufacturing plant, to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was investigated. This strain was able to degrade PAHs in non-sterile soils (average 23%), including high molecular weight PAHs, after 4 weeks of incubation. In a microcosm experiment, PAH depletion was clearly correlated to fungal establishment. In liquid culture, this strain degraded rapidly benzo(a)pyrene during its early exponential phase of growth (18% after 4 days of incubation). Among extracellular ligninolytic enzyme activities tested, only laccase activity was detected in liquid culture in the absence or in presence of benzo(a)pyrene. C. sphaerospermum might be a potential candidate for an effective bioremediation of aged PAH-contaminated soils.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Cladosporium / physiology*
  • Environmental Pollution / prevention & control
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / metabolism*
  • Soil Pollutants / metabolism*

Substances

  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Soil Pollutants