Abstract
Yeast abundance in the sediments of 13 coastal sites in Massachusetts was quantified, and the potential of yeast isolates to biotransform polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was determined. Plate counts of yeasts varied between 10(2) to 10(7) CFU g (dry weight) of sediment-1. The most abundant genera isolated and identified included Candida, Cryptococcus, Rhodotorula, Torulopsis, and Trichosporon. More than 50% of the isolates from heavily contaminated sites transformed phenanthrene, as determined by spray-plate screening. The plate counts of phenanthrene-transforming yeasts correlated significantly to the sediment concentrations of phenanthrene. Transformation of [9-14C]phenanthrene and [12-14C]benz[a]anthracene by individual isolates varied greatly, ranging from 0.15 to 8.15 mumol of PAH g-1 in 120-h incubations. Of the isolated yeasts, Trichosporon penicillatum exhibited the greatest capacity for phenanthrene transformation. The ability to transform PAHs appears to be widespread among yeasts in coastal sediments.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
