Abstract

USING OF FILAMENTOUS FUNGI IN BIODEGRADATION OF OIL WASTE CONTAMINATED SOIL

*Duha Bahaa Mohammed Al Fayaad, Sanaa K. Mayed and Shahlaa K. Farttoos

Abstract

This study investigated the ability of four fungi isolated from oil polluted soil to utilize Petroleum hydrocarbon. The fungal isolates obtained in this study Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium avanecium and Peniclllium funiculosum were found to be more predominant in the polluted soil. In the present study, significant differences in the percent of oil degrading fungi were evident among the time of biodegradation. Dry weights of utilizing Petroleum hydrocarbon as a carbon and energy source was determined. There were no significant increased in dry weights of fungi as the 7 days of incubation. The highest percentage loss of Petroleum hydrocarbon concentration by the axenic cultures of fungi was 95% with A. niger after 28 days of treatment. The highest percentage loss of Petroleum hydrocarbon concentration by the mixed cultures of fungi were 90% with A. niger and A. fumigatus, but the lowest loss of Petroleum hydrocarbon calculated in mixed four fungal strains (A. niger, A. fumigatus, P. funiculosum and F. avaneceium) to 70%.

Keywords: pollution, petroleum hydrocarbon, biodegradation, fungi.