Ability of Some Soil Fungi in Biodegradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon

Abstract

This study investigated the abilities of four fungi isolated indigenously polluted soil to utilize Petroleum hydrocarbon. Of all the fungal isolates obtained in this study Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium solani 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 and pH of utilizing Petroleum hydrocarbon as a carbon and energy source. There was no significant increased in dry weights of fungi as the 7 days of incubation. The pH values decreased in fungal cells metabolized after 28 days of incubation. The PH value in F. solani culture was above when compare with another fungi and these PH reached to 5.8 after 28 days 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. solani) to 70%.