Open AccessBiodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by Cladosporium sphaerospermum isolated from an aged PAH contaminated soil
Author(s) -
Potin Olivier,
Veignie Etienne,
Rafin Catherine
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
fems microbiology ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.377
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1574-6941
pISSN - 0168-6496
DOI - 10.1016/j.femsec.2004.07.013
Subject(s) - bioremediation , microcosm , pyrene , biodegradation , polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon , environmental chemistry , incubation , soil water , laccase , soil contamination , biology , contamination , persistent organic pollutant , pollutant , creosote , chemistry , ecology , enzyme , biochemistry , astrobiology
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.