Use of Fungi in the Restoration of Soils via Composting

In the laboratory, pre-conditions were created for the use of fungi in ex situ and in situ remediation methods for TNT contaminated soils. In the clamp test under outdoor conditions, basidiomycetes were found to be active in decomposition.

The intention of this project was to contribute to the development of composting procedures for restoring soils at former armament industry sites contaminated with 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT).

The main objectives were the isolation of fungi and/or screening for fungi that are distinguished by high degradation performance of TNT. For this, optimal conditions for TNT degradation under laboratory conditions were determined and the conveyability to conditions in the soil was studied. At the centre of the soil studies was the stability of microbial capacities in the mixed cultivation of the composting system.

Special consideration was given to fungi groups that were highly likely to have the potential for the attack of substitute aromatic compounds: white rot fungi, basidiomycetes and  ubiquitously common ground mould.

Results:

• The basic reduction of TNT, independently of the fungi group studied, was verifiable for all strains in the laboratory system.
  
  
• In particular, white rot fungi and a substitute of the basidiomycetes showed high mineralisation potential. In compost box trials, it was further demonstrated that both types of fungi establish themselves well in the soil system under certain conditions, and take hold vis-à-vis micro-flora.
  
  
• In clamp tests under outdoor conditions, a substitute of basidiomycetes did particularly well. An accumulation of TNT or its reducing product could neither be demonstrated in the soil nor in the seepage water. An accumulation of fruiting bodies was likewise not detectable.

Source of supply: The final report (call number F 96 B 1968) can be borrowed from:

Technische Informationsbibliothek (TIB) Hannover

Welfengarten 1B
30167 Hannover




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