Screening, selection and taxonomic identification of PAH resistant fungi

Mycoremediation is a form of bioremediation, which exploits fungi in pollutant isolation and degradation. Application of the mycoremediation for decontamination is one of effective waste disposal options. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are one of the main components of coal tar, which is used for impregnation of wooden railway sleepers as it is efficient wood preservative against fungi. Some species of fungi have ability to degrade or metabolize PAH. In general, fungal metabolites are less toxic than primary hydrocarbons. The discovery of PAH degrading fungi begins with determination of PAH resistant fungal species. The aim of this research comprises: 1. Screening of fungi found on the railway sleepers and surroundings in Lithuania; 2. Fungi identification; 3. Determination of efficiency of different fungal species for degradation of PAH. Five different species of fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus SMR 684, Pleurotus eryngii VMU001, Bjerkandera adusta VMU004, Irpex lacteus VMU003 and Schizophyllum commune VMU002) demonstrate high resistance to different coal tar concentrations. Composition of coal tar in railway wooden sleepers was determined using GC-MS, GC-FID and UPLC instrumental analysis methodsBiochemijos katedraBiologijos katedraBotanikos sodasVytauto Didžiojo universiteta