Mycoremediation of PCBs by Pleurotus ostreatus: Possibilities and Prospects

Se Chul Chun,Judy Gopal,Nazim Hasan,Manikandan Muthu,Shadma Tasneem

doi:10.3390/app9194185

Se Chul Chun, Judy Gopal + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app9194185

Copy DOI

Journal: Applied Sciences	Publication Date: Oct 8, 2019
Citations: 31	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Konkuk University, Jazan University

Abstract

With the rising awareness on environmental issues and the increasing risks through industrial development, clean up remediation measures have become the need of the hour. Bioremediation has become increasingly popular owing to its environmentally friendly approaches and cost effectiveness. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are an alarming threat to human welfare as well as the environment. They top the list of hazardous xenobiotics. The multiple effects these compounds render to the niche is not unassessed. Bioremediation does appear promising, with myco remediation having a clear edge over bacterial remediation. In the following review, the inputs of white-rot fungi in PCB remediation are examined and the lacunae in the practical application of this versatile technology highlighted. The unique abilities of Pleurotus ostreatus and its deliverables with respect to removal of PCBs are presented. The need for improvising P. ostreatus-mediated remediation is emphasized.

Highlights

The synthetic compounds obtained through chlorination of biphenyls are called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are composed of a biphenyl molecule that carries one to ten chlorine atoms
These commercialized PCBs consist of a mixture of congeners distinguished based on the number and position of chlorines on the biphenyl nucleus
With such options and advancements available, we strongly suggest some amount of improvisation into the routines to harness the best that this fungus has to offer toward bioremediation of PCBs

Summary

Introduction

The synthetic compounds obtained through chlorination of biphenyls are called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are composed of a biphenyl molecule (two benzene rings linked by a C–C bond) that carries one to ten chlorine atoms. PCBs as mixtures are commercialized with trade names Aroclor, Clophen, Delor, etc. These commercialized PCBs consist of a mixture of congeners distinguished based on the number and position of chlorines on the biphenyl nucleus. The use of PCBs is expanding and widespread these days, and these compounds are contributing more than enough damage to the environment with their percolation into soil and sedimenting, as there are inadequacies in their waste disposal [1,2]. The most alarming adverse property of PCBs is their tendency toward bioaccumulation in lipid tissues and organic components of the soil and adipose tissue of animals and humans [10]. This review briefly dwells on the available bioremediation-based technologies for decontamination of PCBs with special focus on white-rot fungi and more so with Pleurotus ostreatus. The milestones achieved so far with P. ostreatus and their future prospects are presented

Bioremediation of PCBs

Findings

Conclusions