Biological remediation of contaminated sites from industrial carbon chemistry: Humification of PAH: Metabolism of fungi

In trials using various fungi, a series of strains have been identified which would appear to be suitable for industrial use in soil clean-up processes. The application of these strains is associated with the clear stimulation of PAH degradation, which can be further enhanced by the addition of growth substrates.

The pollution of soils in former industrial sites by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represents a serious environmental problem, since the degradation of PAHs in the environment is extremely slow.  However, these materials may be subject to humification processes, whereby even degradation-resistant natural substances can be eliminated. 

The object of this project was to determine the capacity of soil fungi and dispersed fungi for the metabolisation and humification of PAHs in soils.  To this end, some 150 strains of fungi from natural and contaminated sites have been tested for the presence of various oxidising enzymes.  Strains showing a positive result have been used for the investigation of the metabolisation and humification of various PAHs.  Research has also been conducted into the sorption properties of the fungal mycelium for PAHs.

Results:

• Only limited enzyme activity has been detected in soil fungi analysed from contaminated sites.
  
  
• Conversely, lignivorous fungi show high levels of activity, which are reflected in the degradation of PAHs.
  
  
• When applied to soils, the majority of fungi have stimulated the degradation of PAHs.  A clear enhancement of degradation has been achieved by the addition of various growth substrates.
  
  
• A series of strains have been identified which would appear to be suitable for industrial use in soil clean-up processes.

Source Of Supply: The final report (call number F 97 B 2021, in German) can be borrowed from:
Technische Informationsbibliothek (TIB) Hannover
Welfengarten 1B
30167 Hannover



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