Influence of cadmium and mercury on activities of ligninolytic enzymes and degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by Pleurotus ostreatus in soil

Biodegradation of a mixture of PAHs by non-ligninolytic fungal strains isolated from crude oil-contaminated soil

Nine native non-ligninolytic fungal strains were isolated from Maya crude oil-contaminated soil and selected based on their ability to grow and use crude oil and several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as carbon source, for their application to PAH removal in soil. The fungi were identified by PCR amplification of intergenic transcribed sequences regions and microbiological techniques, and results showed them to be part of the genera Fusarium, Neurospora, Aspergillus, Scedosporium, Penicillium, Neosartorya and Talaromyces. A primary selection of fungi was made in minimal medium plates, considering the tolerance to different concentrations of PAHs for each strain. The radial extension rate exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05) from 200 to 1,000 mg of PAHs mixture l⁻¹. A secondary selection of Aspergillus terreus, Talaromyces spectabilis, and Fusarium sp. was achieved based on their tolerance to 2,000 mg of a mixture of Phenanathrene and Pyrene kg⁻¹ of soil in a solid-state microcosm system for 2 weeks. The percentage of PAH removal obtained by the three strains was approximately 21 % of the mixture.

Non-additive transcriptional profiles underlie dikaryotic superiority in Pleurotus ostreatus laccase activity

Background

The basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus is an efficient producer of laccases, a group of enzymes appreciated for their use in multiple industrial processes. The aim of this study was to reveal the molecular basis of the superiority of laccase production by dikaryotic strains compared to their parental monokaryons.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We bred and studied a set of dikaryotic strains starting from a meiotic population of monokaryons. We then completely characterised the laccase allelic composition, the laccase gene expression and activity profiles in the dikaryotic strain N001, in two of its meiotic full-sib monokaryons and in the dikaryon formed from their mating.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results suggested that the dikaryotic superiority observed in laccase activity was due to non-additive transcriptional increases in lacc6 and lacc10 genes. Furthermore, the expression of these genes was divergent in glucose- vs. lignocellulose-supplemented media and was highly correlated to the detected extracellular laccase activity. Moreover, the expression profile of lacc2 in the dikaryotic strains was affected by its allelic composition, indicating a putative single locus heterozygous advantage.

Impact of Zn, Cu, Al and Fe on the partitioning and bioaccessibility of (14)C-phenanthrene in soil

This investigation considered the effects of Zn, Cu, Al and Fe (50 and 500 mg kg(-1)) on the loss, sequential extractability, using calcium chloride (CaCl2), hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) and dichloromethane (DCM) and biodegradation of (14)C-phenanthrene in soil over 63 d contact time. The key findings were that the presence of Cu and Al (500 mg kg(-1)) resulted in larger amounts of (14)C-phenanthrene being extracted by CaCl2 and HPCD. Further, the CaCl2 + HPCD extractions directly predicted the biodegradation of the PAH in the presence of the metals, with the exception of 500 mg kg(-1) Cu and Zn. The presence of high concentrations of some metals can impact on the mobility and accessibility of phenanthrene in soil, which may impact on the risk assessment of PAH contaminated soil.

Characterization of Pleurotus ostreatus biofilms by using the calgary biofilm device

The adequacy of the Calgary biofilm device, often referred to as the MBEC system, as a high-throughput approach to the production and subsequent characterization of Pleurotus ostreatus biofilms was assessed. The hydroxyapatite-coating of pegs was necessary to enable biofilm attachment, and the standardization of vegetative inocula ensured a uniform distribution of P. ostreatus biofilms, which is necessary for high-throughput evaluations of several antimicrobials and exposure conditions. Scanning electron microscopy showed surface-associated growth, the occurrence of a complex aggregated growth organized in multilayers or hyphal bundles, and the encasement of hyphae within an extracellular matrix (ECM), the extent of which increased with time. Chemical analyses showed that biofilms differed from free-floating cultures for their higher contents of total sugars (TS) and ECM, with the latter being mainly composed of TS and, to a lesser extent, protein. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis of 4-day-old biofilms showed the presence of interspersed interstitial voids and water channels in the mycelial network, the density and compactness of which increased after a 7-day incubation, with the novel occurrence of ECM aggregates with an α-glucan moiety. In 4- and 7-day-old biofilms, tolerance to cadmium was increased by factors of 3.2 and 11.1, respectively, compared to coeval free-floating counterparts.

Effect of pyrene and cadmium on microbial activity and community structure in soil

In this study, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate interactive effects of cadmium (Cd) × pyrene × plant treatments on soil microbial activity and community structure. The results demonstrated that the basal respiration, microbial biomass carbon and metabolic quotient in both unplanted and rhizosphere soil were significantly influenced by interaction of Cd and pyrene. The combined application of Cd and pyrene caused a significantly greater biocidal influence on the soil microorganisms than the single spiking of Cd or pyrene. The soil basal respiration increased with the spiking of 2.5 mg kg(-1) Cd in both unplanted and rhizosphere soil. The eco-physiological index of Cd-tolerant populations was significantly different among the unplanted soil, rhizoplane and rhizosphere soil of tall fescue, indicating a slightly uneven distribution of fast- and slow-growing tolerant bacteria. Obvious differences in microbial activity were observed among treatments due to different physicochemical characteristics of the rhizosphere soils depending on the plant species.

Biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in the presence of nickel and cobalt

Bioremediation of environments co-contaminated with hydrocarbons and heavy metals often pose a challenge as heavy metals exert toxicity to existing communities of hydrocarbon degraders. Multi-resistant bacterial strains were studied for ability to degrade hydrocarbons in chemically defined media amended with 5.0 mM Ni(2+), and Co(2+). The bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa CA207Ni, Burkholderia cepacia AL96Co, and Corynebacterium kutscheri FL108Hg, utilized crude oil and anthracene without lag phase at specific growth rate spanning 0.3848-0.8259 per day. The bacterial populations grew in hydrocarbon media amended with nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) at 0.8393-1.801 days generation time (period of exponential growth, t = 15 days). The bacteria degraded 96.24-98.97, and 92.94-96.24% of crude oil, and anthracene, respectively, within 30 days without any impedance due to metal toxicity (at 5.0 mM). Rather, there was reduction of Ni and Co concentrations in the axenic culture 30 days post-inoculation to 0.08-0.12 and 0.11-0.15 mM, respectively. The metabolic functions of the bacteria are active in the presence of toxic metals (Ni and Co) while utilizing petroleum hydrocarbons for increase in biomass. These findings are useful to other baseline studies on decommissioning of sites co-contaminated with hydrocarbons and toxic metals.

Involvement of the ligninolytic system of white-rot and litter-decomposing fungi in the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are natural and anthropogenic aromatic hydrocarbons with two or more fused benzene rings. Because of their ubiquitous occurrence, recalcitrance, bioaccumulation potential and carcinogenic activity, PAHs are a significant environmental concern. Ligninolytic fungi, such as Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Bjerkandera adusta, and Pleurotus ostreatus, have the capacity of PAH degradation. The enzymes involved in the degradation of PAHs are ligninolytic and include lignin peroxidase, versatile peroxidase, Mn-peroxidase, and laccase. This paper summarizes the data available on PAH degradation by fungi belonging to different ecophysiological groups (white-rot and litter-decomposing fungi) under submerged cultivation and during mycoremediation of PAH-contaminated soils. The role of the ligninolytic enzymes of these fungi in PAH degradation is discussed.

Quantitative assessment of the toxic effects of heavy metals on 1,2-dichloroethane biodegradation in co-contaminated soil under aerobic condition

1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) is one of the most hazardous pollutant of soil and groundwater, and is produced in excess of 5.44×10⁹ kg annually. Owing to their toxicity, persistence and potential for bioaccumulation, there is a growing interest in technologies for their removal. Heavy metals are known to be toxic to soil microorganisms at high concentrations and can hinder the biodegradation of organic contaminants. In this study, the inhibitory effect of heavy metals, namely; arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead, on the aerobic biodegradation of 1,2-DCA by autochthonous microorganisms was evaluated in soil microcosm setting. The presence of heavy metals was observed to have a negative impact on the biodegradation of 1,2-DCA in both soil samples tested, with the toxic effect being more pronounced in loam soil, than in clay soil. Generally, 75 ppm As³⁺, 840 ppm Hg²⁺, and 420 ppm Pb²⁺ resulted in 34.24%, 40.64%, and 45.94% increase in the half live (t½) of 1,2-DCA, respectively, in loam soil, while concentrations above 127.5 ppm Cd²⁺, 840 ppm Hg²⁺ and 420 ppm of Pb²⁺ and less than 75 ppm As³⁺ was required to cause a >10% increase in the t½ of 1,2-DCA in clay soil. A dose-dependent relationship between degradation rate constant (k₁) of 1,2-DCA and metal ion concentrations was observed for all the heavy metals tested, except for Hg²⁺. This study demonstrated that different heavy metals have different impacts on the degree of 1,2-DCA degradation. Results also suggest that the degree of inhibition is metal specific and is also dependent on several factors including; soil type, pH, moisture content and available nutrients.

Comparative studies on lignin and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons degradation by basidiomycetes fungi

A total of 130 wild basidiomycetes fungi were collected and identified. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) degradation by the potential Phellinus sp., Polyporus sulphureus (in liquid state fermentation (LSF), solid state fermentation (SSF), in soil) and lignin biodegradation were compared with those of a bacterial isolate and their corresponding cocultures. The PAHs degradation was higher in LSF and the efficiency of the organisms declined in SSF and in soil treatment. Phellinus sp. showed better degradation in SSF and in soil. Bacillus pumilus showed higher degradation in LSF. B. pumilus was seen to have lower lignin degradation than the fungal cultures and the cocultures could not enhance the degradation. Phellinus sp. which had higher PAHs and lignin degradation showed higher biosurfactant production than other organism. Manganese peroxidase (MnP) was the predominant enzyme in Phellinus sp. while lignin peroxidase (Lip) was predominant in P. sulphureus.

Characterization of the metabolically modified heavy metal-resistant Cupriavidus metallidurans strain MSR33 generated for mercury bioremediation

Background

Mercury-polluted environments are often contaminated with other heavy metals. Therefore, bacteria with resistance to several heavy metals may be useful for bioremediation. Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 is a model heavy metal-resistant bacterium, but possesses a low resistance to mercury compounds.

Methodology/Principal Findings

To improve inorganic and organic mercury resistance of strain CH34, the IncP-1β plasmid pTP6 that provides novel merB, merG genes and additional other mer genes was introduced into the bacterium by biparental mating. The transconjugant Cupriavidus metallidurans strain MSR33 was genetically and biochemically characterized. Strain MSR33 maintained stably the plasmid pTP6 over 70 generations under non-selective conditions. The organomercurial lyase protein MerB and the mercuric reductase MerA of strain MSR33 were synthesized in presence of Hg²⁺. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (mM) for strain MSR33 were: Hg²⁺, 0.12 and CH₃Hg⁺, 0.08. The addition of Hg²⁺ (0.04 mM) at exponential phase had not an effect on the growth rate of strain MSR33. In contrast, after Hg²⁺ addition at exponential phase the parental strain CH34 showed an immediate cessation of cell growth. During exposure to Hg²⁺ no effects in the morphology of MSR33 cells were observed, whereas CH34 cells exposed to Hg²⁺ showed a fuzzy outer membrane. Bioremediation with strain MSR33 of two mercury-contaminated aqueous solutions was evaluated. Hg²⁺ (0.10 and 0.15 mM) was completely volatilized by strain MSR33 from the polluted waters in presence of thioglycolate (5 mM) after 2 h.

Conclusions/Significance

A broad-spectrum mercury-resistant strain MSR33 was generated by incorporation of plasmid pTP6 that was directly isolated from the environment into C. metallidurans CH34. Strain MSR33 is capable to remove mercury from polluted waters. This is the first study to use an IncP-1β plasmid directly isolated from the environment, to generate a novel and stable bacterial strain useful for mercury bioremediation.

Enhanced dissipation of PAHs from soil using mycorrhizal ryegrass and PAH-degrading bacteria

The major aim of this experiment was to test the effects of a multi-component bioremediation system consisting of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-degrading bacteria (Acinetobacter sp.), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus mosseae) for cleaning up PAHs contaminated soil. Higher dissipation rates were observed in combination treatments: i.e., bacteria+ryegrass (BR), mycorrhizae+ryegrass (MR), and bacteria+mycorrhizae+ryegrass (BMR); than bacteria (B) and ryegrass (R) alone. The growth of ryegrass significantly (p<0.05) increased soil peroxidase activities, leading to enhanced dissipation of phenanthrene (PHE) and pyrene (PYR) from soil. Interactions between ryegrass with the two microbes further enhanced the dissipation of PHE and PYR. Mycorrhizal ryegrass (MR) significantly enhanced the dissipation of PYR from soil, PYR accumulation by ryegrass roots and soil peroxidase activities under lower PHE and PYR levels (0 and 50+50 mg kg(-1)). The present results highlighted the contribution of mycorrhiza and PAH-degrading bacteria in phytoremediation of PAH contaminated soil, however more detailed studies are needed.

Finger printing of mixed contaminants from former manufactured gas plant (MGP) site soils: Implications to bioremediation

Contaminants in general do not occur as single chemicals but as mixtures at any contaminated site. Gasworks sites are the typical mixed contaminated sites. These sites are not only subjected to PAH contamination but also varying degrees of heavy metal contamination. Bioremediation in these sites is often hindered by the presence of heavy metals. The co-occurrence of PAHs with heavy metals has not been systematically investigated. Metals are reported to inhibit the general soil microbiological processes. The total concentration of soluble metal in the system includes both free metal ion and complexed forms. Within bioavailable fraction, the most toxic form is the free metal species, which was not addressed well so far in gas works site characterisation. This study underpins the science and importance of metal bioavailability and speciation based site characterisation in mixed contaminated sites. In this study a detailed elemental chemistry of the gas works site soils are discussed using different methods. The PAH contamination was contributed by both low and high molecular weight PAHs. The total PAHs concentration ranged from 335 to 8645 mg/kg. Among most toxic metals Pb was found in high concentration ranging from 88 to 671 mg/kg, Cd 8 to 112 mg/kg and Zn varied from 64 to 488 mg/kg. Thermodynamic chemical equilibrium model VMINTEQ (Ver 2.52) was used to calculate the free metal species in gas works site soils. The percentage free metal species showed a different trend compared to total metal concentrations, free Zn species ranged 18-86%, free Cd was 26-87% and Pb showed lowest free metal percentage (0-17%). The bioavailable metal species and its implications to bioremediation have also been discussed.

Mycelial growth and solid-state fermentation of lignocellulosic waste by white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium under lead stress

Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant renewable resource difficult to degrade. Its bioconversion plays important roles in carbon cycles in nature, which may be influenced by heavy metals in environment. Mycelial growth and the degradation of lignocellulosic waste by lignin-degrading fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium under lead stress were studied. It was shown that P. chrysosporium could grow in liquid media with 400 mg L⁻¹ Pb(II), and mycelial dry weight was reduced by 54% compared to the control. Yellow mycelia in irregular short-strip shape formed in Pb-containing media, whereas the control showed ivory-white regular mycelial pellets. Two possible responses to Pb stress were: dense hyphae, and secretion from mycelia to resist Pb. During solid-state fermentation of straw, fungal colonization capability under Pb stress was positively correlated with the removal efficiency of soluble-exchangeable Pb when its content was higher than 8.2 mg kg⁻¹ dry mass. Carboxymethyl cellulase activity and cellulose degradation were inhibited at different Pb concentrations, whereas low Pb concentrations increased xylanase and ligninolytic enzyme activities and the hemicellulose and lignin degradation. Cluster analyses indicated that Pb had similar effects on the different microbial indexes related to lignin and hemicellulose degradation. The present findings will advance the understandings of lignocellulose degradation by fungi under Pb pollution, which could provide useful references for developing metal-polluted waste biotreatment technology.

Fungal bioremediation of the creosote-contaminated soil: influence of Pleurotus ostreatus and Irpex lacteus on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons removal and soil microbial community composition in the laboratory-scale study

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of selected basidiomycetes in the removing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from the creosote-contaminated soil. Fungi Pleurotus ostreatus and Irpex lacteus were supplemented with creosote-contaminated (50-200 mg kg(-1) PAH) soil originating from a wood-preserving plant and incubated at 15 °C for 120 d. Either fungus degraded PAH with 4-6 aromatic rings more efficiently than the microbial community present initially in the soil. PAH removal was higher in P. ostreatus treatments (55-67%) than in I. lacteus treatments (27-36%) in general. P. ostreatus (respectively, I. lacteus) removed 86-96% (47-59%) of 2-rings PAH, 63-72% (33-45%) of 3-rings PAH, 32-49% (9-14%) of 4-rings PAH and 31-38% (11-13%) of 5-6-rings PAH. MIS (Microbial Identification System) Sherlock analysis of the bacterial community determined the presence of dominant Gram-negative bacteria (G-) Pseudomonas in the inoculated soil before the application of fungi. Complex soil microbial community was characterized by phospholipid fatty acids analysis followed by GC-MS/MS. Either fungus induced the decrease of bacterial biomass (G- bacteria in particular), but the soil microbial community was influenced by P. ostreatus in a different way than by I. lacteus. The bacterial community was stressed more by the presence of I. lacteus than P. ostreatus (as proved by the ratio of the fungal/bacterial markers and by the ratio of trans/cis mono-unsaturated fatty acids). Moreover, P. ostreatus stimulated the growth of Gram-positive bacteria (G+), especially actinobacteria and these results indicate the potential of the positive synergistic interaction of this fungus and actinobacteria in creosote biodegradation.

Fungal Diversity and Use in Decomposition of Environmental Pollutants

This article presents a critical review of the actual state of fungal activities on environmental pollutants, fungal diversity, the use of fungi in the degradation of chemical pollutants, enzyme degrading systems and perspectives on the use of fungi in bioremediation and unexplored research. The ability of fungi to transform or metabolize chemical pollutants has received much attention due to environmental persistence and chemical toxicity. The fungal degradation of xenobiotics is looked upon as an effective method of removing these pollutants from the environment by a process which is currently known as bioremediation. This review summarizes information from fundamental works that have revealed that a wide variety of fungi are capable of degrading an equally wide range of toxical chemical. The capacity of non-ligninolytic and ligninolytic fungi in the bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), benzene-toluene-ethylbenzene-xylene (BTEX), chlorophenols, polychlorinated biphenyl, munitions waste and pesticides have been discussed. Besides this, several extracellular enzymes are involved in the metabolism of xenobiotic compounds as well as other factors related to these processes.

Can PAHs influence Cu accumulation by salt marsh plants?

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may change the mechanisms of metal uptake, thus influencing kinetics and extent of metal phytoextraction. Studies on the subject are scarce, particularly for salt marsh plants. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of PAHs on the uptake of Cu by Halimione portulacoides, a plant commonly found in salt marshes. Experiments were carried out in the laboratory, either in hydroponics (sediment elutriate) or in sediment soaked in elutriate, which were prepared with sediment and water from a salt marsh of the Cavado river estuary (NW Portugal). Groups of H. portulacoides (grown in a greenhouse) were exposed to those media during six days. Cu2+ (as Cu(NO3)2), 10(2) and 10(4) microg l(-1), was added to the media as well as 1.6 microg l(-1) of the sixteen EPA priority PAHs (0.1 microg l(-1) of each PAHs). Cu was assayed in solutions, sediments and different plant tissues before and after experiments. After exposure, photosynthetic efficiency and levels of chlorophylls were also measured, indicating that plant stress indicators were identical in all plants independently of the media to which the plants were exposed. PAHs influenced both the soluble Cu fraction and Cu uptake by plants. The amounts of metal accumulated in both roots and stems were significantly higher when the 10(4) microg l(-1) of Cu enriched elutriate was amended with PAHs. Thus, results suggest that PAHs may modify Cu solubility, the Cu sorption by plants and/or the passive penetration of Cu into the root cells. Therefore, the combined effects of different types of pollutants should be taken in consideration when studying the remediation potential of plants, namely in terms of phytoextraction.

Synthesis of zirconia-immobilized copper chelates for catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and the oxidation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Chelating sorbents with diethylenetriaminepenta(methylene-phosphonic acid) (DTPMPA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ligands immobilized on zirconia matrix were prepared and subsequently saturated with Cu(II). All the Cu chelates catalyzed decomposition of H(2)O(2) yielding highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. All of them were also able to catalyze degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[b]fluoranthene). The most effective DTPMPA-based catalysts G-32 and G-35 (10 mg ml(-1) with 100 mmol H(2)O(2)) caused almost complete decomposition of 15 ppm anthracene and benzo[a]pyrene during a five day catalytic cycle at 30 degrees C. Anthracene-1,4-dione was the main product of anthracene oxidation by all catalysts. The catalysts were active in several cycles without regeneration.

Bioremediation of engine oil polluted soil by the tropical white rot fungus, Lentinus squarrosulus Mont. (Singer)

This study was conducted to test the efficacy of an indigenous white rot fungus Lentinus squarrosulus in degrading engine oil in soil. Flasks containing sterilized garden soil (100 g) moistened with 75% distilled water (w/v) were contaminated with engine oil 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40% w/w concentrations, inoculated with L. squarrosulus and incubated at room temperature for 90 days. Levels of organic matter, pH, total hydrocarbon and elemental content (C, Cu, Fe, K, N, Ni, Zn and available P) were determined post-fungal treatment. Results indicate that contaminated soils inoculated with L. squarrosulus had increased organic matter, carbon and available phosphorus, while the nitrogen and available potassium was reduced. A relatively high percentage degradation of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) was observed at 1% engine oil concentration (94.46%), which decreased to 64.05% TPH degradation at 40% engine oil contaminated soil after 90 days of incubation. The concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn and Ni recovered from straw/fungal biomass complex increased with the increase of engine-oil contamination and bio-accumulation by the white-rot fungus. The improvement of nutrient content values as well as the bioaccumulation of heavy metals at all levels of engine oil concentrations tested through inoculations with L. squarrosulus is of importance for the bioremediation of engine-oil polluted soils.

Extraction of manganese peroxidase produced by Lentinula edodes

Lentinula edodes, commonly called shiitake, is considered a choice edible mushroom with exotic taste and medicinal quality. L. edodes grows very well and produces a range of enzymes when cultivated on eucalyptus residues. Development of appropriate experimental procedures for recovery and determination of enzymes became a widely important cash crop. In this work, enzymes produced by L. edodes were extracted using different pH buffer and determined regarding peroxidases and proteases. Lignin peroxidase (LiP) was not detected in the extracts based on veratryl alcohol or azure B oxidation. Proteases were very low while Mn-peroxidases (MnP) predominated. The optimal pH for MnP recovery was 5.0, under agitation at 25 degrees C. The oxidation of phenol red decreased after dark-colored small compounds or ions were eliminated by dialysis. The extract of L. edodes contained components of high molecular weight, such as proteases or high polyphenol, that could be involved in the LiP inactivation. L. edodes sample previously submitted to dialysis was also joined to LiP of Phanerochaete chrysosporium and a total inhibition of LiP was observed.

Influence of mineral and organic fertilization on soil fungi, enzyme activities and humic substances in a long-term field experiment

Changes in microfungal communities, fungal activities and humic substances (HS) in agricultural soils kept under different fertilization regimes were observed and their causal relationships were investigated in a long-term field experiment. Fertilization did not change the abundance of HS-utilizing microfungi and, except for organic amendment alone, total culturable microfungi were also unaffected by this factor. Organic fertilization increased activities of manganese peroxidase (MnP) and proteinase, but decreased endo-1,4-beta-glucanase activity compared to the corresponding control without organic fertilization. In soils treated with mineral fertilizers, the activities of MnP, endo-1,4-beta-glucanase and proteinase were higher than in control without any mineral treatment. Both the aromaticity of fulvic acid and the molar mass of humic acid was lower in soil with organic fertilization, which may be a result of oxidative degradation mediated by higher MnP activity observed in treatments with organic fertilization.

Photocatalysis of fluorene adsorbed onto TiO2

The adsorption of fluorene onto TiO2 has been investigated by conducting equilibrium and kinetic experiments. Adsorption isotherms have been evaluated at two different pHs in the range of temperatures 296-325 K. The type III isotherm shapes obtained were modelled by considering several expressions taken from the literature. Temperature exerted a positive influence in fluorene uptake. Addition of phosphates involved a negative effect when computing the final equilibrium fluorene removal. The kinetic experiments carried out at 296 K corroborated the competitiveness of phosphates to occupy the active sites on the titania surface. Nevertheless, equilibrium conditions are faster achieved at pH 2 than at pH 5. The photocatalysis of fluorene at different initial concentrations of the parent compound revealed a slight improvement of the process at pH 5 if compared to the results obtained at pH 2. A Langmuir-Hinselwood representation of the data confirms the previous statement. Catalyst load shows an optimum, concentration values of the photocatalyst above the optimum provoke a decrease in the fluorene abatement rate. Reutilisation of the catalyst indicates that fluorene is completely eliminated from the solid, i.e. it is suggested that fluorene and intermediates are surface oxidised.

Geomycology: biogeochemical transformations of rocks, minerals, metals and radionuclides by fungi, bioweathering and bioremediation

The study of the role that fungi have played and are playing in fundamental geological processes can be termed 'geomycology' and this article seeks to emphasize the fundamental importance of fungi in several key areas. These include organic and inorganic transformations and element cycling, rock and mineral transformations, bioweathering, mycogenic mineral formation, fungal-clay interactions, metal-fungal interactions, and the significance of such processes in the environment and their relevance to areas of environmental biotechnology such as bioremediation. Fungi are intimately involved in biogeochemical transformations at local and global scales, and although such transformations occur in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, it is the latter environment where fungi probably have the greatest influence. Within terrestrial aerobic ecosystems, fungi may exert an especially profound influence on biogeochemical processes, particularly when considering soil, rock and mineral surfaces, and the plant root-soil interface. The geochemical transformations that take place can influence plant productivity and the mobility of toxic elements and substances, and are therefore of considerable socio-economic relevance, including human health. Of special significance are the mutualistic symbioses, lichens and mycorrhizas. Some of the fungal transformations discussed have beneficial applications in environmental biotechnology, e.g. in metal leaching, recovery and detoxification, and xenobiotic and organic pollutant degradation. They may also result in adverse effects when these processes are associated with the degradation of foodstuffs, natural products, and building materials, including wood, stone and concrete. It is clear that a multidisciplinary approach is essential to understand fully all the phenomena encompassed within geomycology, and it is hoped that this review will serve to catalyse further research, as well as stimulate interest in an area of mycology of global significance.

Comparative study of immobilized Trametes versicolor laccase on nanoparticles and kaolinite

Laccase from Trametes versicolor was immobilized on nanoparticles and kaolinite by physical adsorption or chemical covalence in which the supporters were activated by cross-linked with glutaraldehyde. Thermal and pH stabilities of immobilized laccase on these different supporters were compared. The degradation efficiencies of these immobilized laccases on oxidation of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) were also compared. The results showed that the immobilized laccases on nanoparticles were more stable in resisting pH and thermal changes. After 48h oxidation, laccase immobilized on kaolinite using the covalent coupling method showed a higher efficiency of oxidation with the BaP residue of 23% in the presence of 1mM HBT and with BaP residue of 37% in 1mM ABTS as the mediator. The results also exhibited a significant inhibition by 1% surfactant Tween 80. According to the HPLC analysis, the oxidation products including 1,6-benzo[a]pyrene quinone, 3,6-benzo[a]pyrene quinone and 6,12-benzo[a]pyrene quinone were identified.

Degradation of cellulose and hemicelluloses by the brown rot fungus Piptoporus betulinus – production of extracellular enzymes and characterization of the major cellulases

Piptoporus betulinus is a common wood-rotting fungus parasitic for birch (Betula species). It is able to cause fast mass loss of birch wood or other lignocellulose substrates. When grown on wheat straw, P. betulinus caused 65 % loss of dry mass within 98 days, and it produced endo-1,4-β-glucanase (EG), endo-1,4-β-xylanase, endo-1,4-β-mannanase, 1,4-β-glucosidase (BG), 1,4-β-xylosidase, 1,4-β-mannosidase and cellobiohydrolase activities. The fungus was not able to efficiently degrade crystalline cellulose. The major glycosyl hydrolases, endoglucanase EG1 and β-glucosidase BG1, were purified. EG1 was a protein of 62 kDa with a pI of 2.6–2.8. It cleaved cellulose internally, produced cellobiose and glucose from cellulose and cellooligosaccharides, and also showed β-xylosidase and endoxylanase activities. The K m for carboxymethylcellulose was 3.5 g l−1, with the highest activity at pH 3.5 and 70 °C. BG1 was a protein of 36 kDa with a pI around 2.6. It was able to produce glucose from cellobiose and cellooligosaccharides, but also produced galactose, mannose and xylose from the respective oligosaccharides and showed some cellobiohydrolase activity. The K m for p-nitrophenyl-1,4-β-glucoside was 1.8 mM, with the highest activity at pH 4 and 60 °C, and the enzyme was competitively inhibited by glucose (K i=5.8 mM). The fungus produced mainly β-glucosidase and β-mannosidase activity in its fruit bodies, while higher activities of endoglucanase, endoxylanase and β-xylosidase were found in fungus-colonized wood.

Enhancement of bioconversion of high-molecular mass polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in contaminated non-sterile soil by litter-decomposing fungi

With the focus on alternative microbes for soil-bioremediation, 18 species of litter-decomposing basidiomycetous fungi were screened for their ability to grow on different lignocellulosic substrates including straw, flax and pine bark as well as to produce ligninolytic enzymes, namely laccase and manganese peroxidase. Following characteristics have been chosen as criteria for the strain selection: (i) the ability to grow at least on one of the mentioned materials, (ii) production of either of the ligninolytic enzymes and (iii) the ability to invade non-sterile soil. As the result, eight species were selected for a bioremediation experiment with an artificially contaminated soil (total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration 250 mg/kg soil). Up to 70%, 86% and 84% of benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, respectively, were removed in presence of fungi while the indigenous microorganisms converted merely up to 29%, 26% and 43% of these compounds in 30 days. Low molecular-mass PAHs studied were easily degraded by soil microbes and only anthracene degradation was enhanced by the fungi as well. The agaric basidiomycetes Stropharia rugosoannulata and Stropharia coronilla were the most efficient PAH degraders among the litter-decomposing species used.

Production of lignocellulose-degrading enzymes and changes in soil bacterial communities during the growth ofPleurotus ostreatus in soil with different carbon content

The extracellular enzyme activity and changes in soil bacterial community during the growth of the ligninolytic fungus Pleurotus ostreatus were determined in nonsterile soil with low and high available carbon content. In soil with P. ostreatus, the activity of ligninolytic enzymes laccase and Mn-peroxidase was several orders of magnitude higher than in soil without the fungus. Addition of lignocellulose to soil increased the activity of cellulolytic fungi and the production of Mn-peroxidase by P. ostreatus. The counts of heterotrophic bacteria were more significantly affected by the presence of lignocellulose than by P. ostreatus. The effects of both substrate addition and time (succession) were more significant factors affecting the soil bacterial community than the presence of P. ostreatus. Bacterial community structure was affected by fungal colonization in low carbon soil, where a decrease of diversity and changes in substrate utilization profiles were detected.

Species-specific Cd-stress response in the white rot basidiomycetes Abortiporus biennis and Cerrena unicolor

The effect of cadmium (Cd) on fungal growth, Cd bioaccumulation and biosorption, and on the formation of potential heavy metal response indicators such as thiols, oxalate, and laccase was investigated in the white rot fungi Cerrena unicolor andAbortiporus biennis. Only the highest Cd concentration employed (200 microM) inhibited growth of C. unicolor, whereas already lower Cd concentrations caused decreasing mycelia dry weights in A. biennis. Cd biosorption onto the mycelial surface was the predominant Cd sequestration mechanism in C. unicolor. Surface-bound and bioaccumulated Cd concentrations were essentially in the same range in A. biennis, leading to considerably higher intracellular Cd concentrations in A. biennis than in C. unicolor. Oxalate and laccase were produced by both of the fungal strains and their extracellular levels were elevated upon Cd exposure. Oxalate concentrations and laccase titres were considerably higher in C. unicolor than in A. biennis. Both fungi responded to increasing Cd concentrations by increasing intracellular amounts of thiol compounds (cysteine, gamma-glutamylcysteine, glutathione in both its reduced and oxidized form) but Cd application increased the amounts of thiols to a higher extend in A. biennis. Taken together, these species-specific responses towards Cd suggest that C. unicolor possesses a more efficient system than A. biennis to keep intracellular Cd concentrations low.

An Evaluation of Soil Colonisation Potential of Selected Fungi and their Production of Ligninolytic Enzymes for Use in Soil Bioremediation Applications

Initially sixteen fungi were screened for potential ligninolytic activity using decolourisation of a polymeric dye Poly R-478. From this, four fungi were selected, Trametes versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus, Collybia sp., and an isolate (identified as Rhizoctonia solani) isolated from a grassland soil. Differences in the ligninolytic enzyme profiles of each of the fungi were observed. All of the four fungi tested produced MnP and laccase while the Collybia sp. and R. solani produced LiP in addition. Enzyme activity levels also varied greatly over the 21 days of testing with T. versicolor producing levels of MnP and laccase three to four times greater than the other fungi. The four fungi were then tested for their ability to colonise sand, peat (forest) and basalt and marl mixed till (field) soils through visual measurement and biomass detection in soil microcosms. Trametes versicolor and the Collybia sp. failed to grow in any of the non-sterilised soils whereas the R. solani and P. ostreatus isolates grew satisfactorily. Primers were designed to detect MnP and laccase genes in P. ostreatus and RTPCR was used to detect that these genes are expressed in forest and field soils.

Fungal laccases – occurrence and properties

Laccases of fungi attract considerable attention due to their possible involvement in the transformation of a wide variety of phenolic compounds including the polymeric lignin and humic substances. So far, more than a 100 enzymes have been purified from fungal cultures and characterized in terms of their biochemical and catalytic properties. Most ligninolytic fungal species produce constitutively at least one laccase isoenzyme and laccases are also dominant among ligninolytic enzymes in the soil environment. The fact that they only require molecular oxygen for catalysis makes them suitable for biotechnological applications for the transformation or immobilization of xenobiotic compounds.

Bioremediation of crystal violet using air bubble bioreactor packed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Seven water and sediment samples were collected and tested for decolorizing crystal violet. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most effective isolate for dye decolorization. The LC50 of the crystal violet (115 mg/l) was measured using Artemia salina as a biomarker. The effect of different heavy metals on crystal violet decolorization was investigated. Cd2+ and Fe3+ ions showed marginal enhancement of the decolorization process, the rate was 1.35 mg/l/h compared to (1.25 mg/l/h) for the control. Phenol and m-cresol showed no effect on crystal violet decolorization, meanwhile p-cresol and p-nitrophenol reduced the decolorization rate to 1.07 and 0.01 mg/l/h, respectively. P. aeruginosa cells were immobilized by entrapment in agar-alginate beads. The beads were cultivated and reused in Erlenmeyer flask and in an air bubble column bioreactor and they enhanced the crystal violet decolorization rate to 3.33 and 7.5 mg/l/h, respectively.

Degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons by white-rot fungi in a historically contaminated soil

Phanerochaete chrysosporium NRRL 6361 and Pleurotus pulmonarius CBS 664.97 were tested for their ability to grow under nonsterile conditions and to degrade various aromatic hydrocarbons in an aged contaminated soil that also contained high concentrations of heavy metals. After 24 days fungal incubation, carbon-CO2 liberated, an indicator of microbial activity, reached a plateau. At the end of the incubation time (30 days), fungal colonization was clearly visible and was confirmed by ergosterol and cell organic carbon determinations. In spite of unfavorable pH (around 7.4) and the presence of heavy metals, both fungi produced Mn-peroxidase activity. In contrast, laccase and aryl-alcohol oxidase were detected only in the soil treated with P. pulmonarius CBS 664.97 and lignin-peroxidase in that with P. chrysosporium NRRL 6361. No lignin-modifying enzyme activities were present in non-inoculated soil incubated for 30 days (control microcosm). Regardless of the fungus employed, a total removal of naphtalene, tetrachlorobenzene, and dichloroaniline isomers, diphenylether and N-phenyl-1-naphtalenamine, was observed. Significant release of chloride ions was also observed in fungal-treated soil, in comparison with that recorded in the control microcosm. Both fungi led to a significant decrease in soil toxicity, as assessed using two different soil contact assays, including the Lepidium sativum L. germination test and the Collembola mortality test.

Fungal biodegradation of naphthalene: microcosms studies

The present work is aimed to ascertain naphthalene biodegradation capability of P. chrysosporium and T. harzianum in soil microcosms. Considering the high naphthalene volatility, a suitable soil microcosm was set-up and used. Several degradation tests were conducted with different C/N ratio media for the two fungi in order to enquire the best range of working conditions. The kinetic studies were conducted at a maximal naphthalene concentration of 600 mg kg(-1). During experimental time course naphthalene concentration, CO2 evolution as well as phytotoxicity tests were performed as monitoring parameters. The results shown in the current paper, put in evidence that T. harzianum, differently than in liquid culture, is not able to biodegrade naphthalene directly in soil microcosm, while P. chrysosporium in the same conditions biodegrades the PAH till about 600 mg kg(-1). As concern the founded kinetics for P. chrysosporium, a saturation shape in presence of N-limited medium (high C/N ratio) was evaluated while a growing form more than linear in no-N limited medium (normal C/N ratio) was determined.

Degradation of lignocellulose by Pleurotus ostreatus in the presence of copper, manganese, lead and zinc

Pleurotus ostreatus produces the cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes endo-1,4-beta-glucanase, exo-1,4-beta-glucanase, 1,4-beta-glucosidase, endo-1,4-beta-xylanase, 1,4-beta-xylosidase, endo-1,4-beta-mannanase and 1,4-beta-mannosidase and ligninolytic enzymes Mn-peroxidase and laccase during growth on wheat straw in the presence and absence of Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn. This is the first report concerning endo-1,4-beta-mannanase in P. ostreatus. Although the concentrations of trace metals in wheat straw ranged from units to tens of microg g(-1), only 3-6% (Fe, Pb) or 30-45% (Cu, Mn, Zn) of the total amount was extractable and available for the fungus. The substrate colonization rate was only decreased by high concentrations of Cu and Zn; the loss of dry mass differed among treatments in the initial phase of fungal growth, and at the end of the experiment (day 98) it was significantly lower in metal-containing treatments (63-66%) than in the control (70%). The cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzyme were prone to a metal effect except for the increase in endo-1,4-beta-glucanase and 1,4-beta-glucosidase in the presence of Zn. Laccase activity was increased by all tested metals, and unlike other white-rot fungi, Mn-peroxidase levels were low in the presence of manganese.

Influence of Pb contamination in boreal forest soil on the growth and ligninolytic activity of litter-decomposing fungi

Lignin mineralization activity of three basidiomycetous litter-decomposing fungi (LDF) was studied with humus layer samples taken from a boreal forest soil. The total Pb concentration in the samples was 32,000 mg kg(-1) and water soluble Pb 67 mg kg(-1). Synthetic lignin mineralization by Collybia dryophila and Clitocybe (Lepista) nebularis was strongly inhibited, whereas Stropharia coronilla was more tolerant to Pb stress in soil and liquid cultures. Purified laccases maintained their activity and purified MnPs remained partly active up to a concentration of 1450 mg Pb l(-1). High concentrations of Pb inhibited the growth of LDF and affected the activity of ligninolytic enzymes, but the extent of inhibition varied among different LDF species. In consequence, Pb contamination in soil may have a negative impact on recycling of organic carbon.

Medium composition affects the degree and pattern of cadmium inhibition of naphthalene biodegradation

Metals have been reported to inhibit organic pollutant biodegradation; however, widely varying degrees and patterns of inhibition have been reported. To investigate the roles of medium composition and metal bioavailability on these different degrees and patterns of inhibition, we assessed the impact of cadmium on naphthalene biodegradation by a newly isolated strain of Comamonas testosteroni in three chemically-defined minimal salts media (MSM): Tris-buffered MSM, PIPES-buffered MSM, and Bushnell-Haas medium. Cadmium (total concentrations of 100 and 500 microM) inhibited biodegradation in each medium. Degrees of inhibition were different in each medium. Cadmium was most inhibitory in PIPES-buffered MSM and least inhibitory in Bushnell-Haas. For example, in Bushnell-Haas medium, 100 microM cadmium reduced the cell yield more than 4-fold compared to controls not containing cadmium. The same concentration of cadmium completely inhibited growth in PIPES-buffered MSM. No difference in inhibition was observed in any medium when cadmium was added 24 h before inoculation rather than when added within one minute of inoculation. Two patterns of inhibition were observed. Inhibition occurred in a dose dependent pattern in Tris- and PIPES-buffered MSM and in a non-dose dependent pattern in Bushnell-Haas. Specifically, in Bushnell-Haas, 100 microM total cadmium extended the lag phase by 23+/-8.66 h, whereas 500 microM did not extend the lag phase. Soluble, ionic cadmium (Cd2+) concentrations were measured and modeled in each medium to assess cadmium bioavailability. In media containing 500 microM total cadmium, bioavailability was highest in Tris- and PIPES-buffered MSM and lowest in Bushnell-Haas. In Bushnell-Haas, cadmium bioavailability was initially higher in the 500 microM treatments (196+/-21.2 microM) than in the 100 microM treatments (78.2+/-2.04 microM); however, after 12 h, bioavailability was higher in the 100 microM treatments (56.4+/-24.8 micro) than the 500 microM treatments (13.3+/-1.2 microM). These data suggest that the type of medium determines the degrees and patterns by which metals inhibit biodegradation and emphasize the importance of coupling metal toxicity and bioavailability data.