Exploring Novel Fungal–Bacterial Consortia for Enhanced Petroleum Hydrocarbon Degradation
Bioremediation, involving the strategic use of microorganisms, has proven to be a cost-effective alternative for restoring areas impacted by persistent contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this context, the aim of this study was to explore hydrocarbon-degrading microbial...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Toxics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/12/12/913 |
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| Summary: | Bioremediation, involving the strategic use of microorganisms, has proven to be a cost-effective alternative for restoring areas impacted by persistent contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this context, the aim of this study was to explore hydrocarbon-degrading microbial consortia by prospecting native species from soils contaminated with blends of diesel and biodiesel (20% biodiesel/80% diesel). After enrichment in a minimal medium containing diesel oil as the sole carbon source and based on 16S rRNA, Calmodulin and β-tubulin gene sequencing, seven fungi and 12 bacteria were identified. The drop collapse test indicated that all fungal and four bacterial strains were capable of producing biosurfactants with a surface tension reduction of ≥20%. Quantitative analysis of extracellular laccase production revealed superior enzyme activity among the bacterial strains, particularly for <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i> P05R11. Following antagonistic testing, four compatible consortia were formulated. The degradation analysis of PAHs and TPH (C5–C40) present in diesel oil revealed a significantly higher degradation capacity for the consortia compared to isolated strains. The best results were observed for a mixed bacterial-fungal consortium, composed of <i>Trichoderma koningiopsis</i> P05R2, <i>Serratia marcescens</i> P10R19 and <i>Burkholderia cepacia</i> P05R9, with a degradation spectrum of ≥91% for all eleven PAHs analyzed, removing 93.61% of total PAHs, and 93.52% of TPH (C5–C40). Furthermore, this study presents the first report of <i>T. koningiopsis</i> as a candidate for bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons. |
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| ISSN: | 2305-6304 |